posted 12-28-2002 11:12 PM              

I found a pair of candlesticks that are black from tarnish and that adds to the charm at least for me. Each candlestick holds three candles and are very heavey and have very elaborate work to them.

My main question is in all my looking I can not find the Silver Marks like they are on the candlesticks. The candlsticks say Derby Silver Company, Bermingham, Conn and none of the Silver Marks that I have found to Derby Silver say anything on them about Birmingham, Conn. I did find out that Bermingham, Conn. no longer exhists and that it was once called Smithville, and then the present day Derby.

I'm mostly interested in how old they are since they only say Derby Silver Company, Birmingham, Conn. I've never realy liked Silver because it tarnishes but I like these because of how they look. Aside from not knowing anything about Silver I also do not know what it means when they do not say anything else to say if they are plated or not. Is the rule of thumb that if they do not say Silver Plated or Quadruple plated that that means they are solid silver?

I like old things and I like things that are practicly and they are both since they give off a lot of light when I use them.

If you can answer my 2 questions about Birmingham on the bottom and not finding the Silver Marks like mine, along with what that means and then what it means that they do not say anything else, no S.P or anything and what that means I'd realy appreciate it.

Also if I leave the tarnish look to them alone is that harmfull? To me that adds to the charm.

posted 12-29-2002 12:27 PM            

Derby Silver Co. was located in Derby (a.k.a. Birmingham) Connecticut. In 1898, it became a part of International Silver Co. By 1933 the distinct Derby operations were fully consolidated into the International factories in Meriden, Ct.

Here are some of the Derby makers marks (they are not hallmarks).

I have never seen any solid silver by Derby. And if they had made it I am sure it would have been marked sterling, coin or 925/1000. It can be pretty certain what you have is silverplate.

Since you like the way it looks does it really matter if it is tarnish or base metal you are looking at? Most often old silverplate has been so over polished that most of the original silver is gone and what is left are large areas of base metal. You like it the way it is then leave it that way and enjoy.