Matchbox: Crown and keys? - SMP Silver Salon Forums

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Matchbox: Crown and keys?

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Author	Topic: Matchbox: Crown and keys?
Carma Posts: 5 Registered: Aug 2001	posted 08-05-2001 08:06 PM Greetings! I have inherited 3 silver matchbox holders, and my diligent research online and at the local library hasn't help me identify the marks. The boxes have a standing lion engraved on the front, but since it is decoration and not an official mark, does that still indicate sterling? The marks on the back appear to be a crowned head, D, O, and crossed keys. I will attempt to insert links to photos showing the front and back. I appreciate any information or suggestions on where to research further. Congratulations on conducting an orderly, civilized and very helpful forum! Carma IP: Logged
Martine Posts: 55 Registered: Jul 2001	posted 08-06-2001 07:03 PM I think your matchbox covers are just silverplate. There are a few silverplate companies in both America and England that used the crossed keys in their trademark symbols. The lion engraving is just decorative and in the style of an English armorial crest. I guess your next step would be to have the covers tested for metal content. IP: Logged
Paul Lemieux Posts: 1792 Registered: Apr 2000	posted 08-06-2001 08:25 PM The lion is just decorative, as noted above. Such decoration should not be confused with hallmarks that indicate a piece's silver content. Also, such marks on silverplate were often created to look deceptively similar to real silver hallmarks. This is why they get confused with genuine silver marks, and also why one might have a hard time actually identifying them. IP: Logged
Carma Posts: 5 Registered: Aug 2001	posted 08-06-2001 10:52 PM Thank you for the prompt replies! Now I have one more question, but I will post a new topic, since it is a completely different kind of piece. Carma IP: Logged

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