posted 03-05-2017 01:04 AM            

I am a new member. Let me introduce myself. My name is Marianne and I have been a silver spoon and silverplate flatware amateur collector on and off for about 20 years; solely for my personal pleasure - not as a business. My particular interest is in early American patterns through the 1940's. In addition to the history I love the multitude of patterns to suit every taste, the feel of flatware in the hand and the patina and sheen of silver.

I very much enjoyed reading the post (from 1999) on the Kings pattern questioning the earliest origins in the US. I have a set of 5 single strike Kings pattern forks with unusual stamps and engravings which I am posting images of on that thread. It seems the most appropriate place to continue the conversation (if it will allow me to reply at this late date).

Looking forward to learning more and keeping up on the posts.

posted 03-05-2017 11:20 AM            

I know that I and everyone else will enjoy seeing some pieces of your silver. Follow the directions in the Guidelines on how to post photos step by step and you should have no difficulties posting photos, but if you do please just ask help.

posted 03-05-2017 11:40 PM            

Description:
I have 5 forks of unknown origin in a single stamp Kings pattern.
The shell pattern on the front is concaved; there is no shell design to posterior surface of handle terminal.

I am guessing these are silverplate each weighing approx 50 grams - each fork is inscribed on the heel with different initials in script all ending with McL (McLaughlin?) and followed with "78" - 1778? 1878?

On one fork there is a second set of initials ending McL with '42 (1842?) above the "78" initial - In a different hand but same script style

At backside of the Shell form as shown in the photos is a stippled Old English Style font - Morris 1840 - same on all 5 forks.

On the back of the stem where you might expect to find the name of the maker there are individual letter stamps - reminiscent of English hallmarks - spelling out KERREY.

Hopefully the photos will answer any questions. I am curious about any information on the KERREY stamps and Morris 1840. We can only guess I suppose on the personalized monograms.

Has anyone seen markings like this before?

LINK TO IMAGES:

Thank you,

[This message has been edited by thunderswamp (edited 04-21-2017).]

[This message has been edited by thunderswamp (edited 04-21-2017).]

posted 05-23-2017 08:44 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Kimo:
It is hard to say and I am not an expert on these, but my first thought is that they were likely a part of a set purchased in 1840 by a family named Morris. Then a daughter in this family married a man with the last name that started with the initial McL and they had children. In 1872 this set was given to the daughter for some event such as an anniversary or perhaps the passing of her mother or? and at that time the McL and '72 and first name initial of each family member was engraved. Then in 1942 a descendant of this family had the year "42 engraved to make this one plus possibly other pieces of the set theirs to follow the family tradition on this flatware? This is just guessing of course but it is what makes the most sense to me at this point and until someone can be more positive about the dates of the markings.

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