posted 06-27-2006 07:30 PM            

I have been gathering spoons (mixed sizes) just for their appeal, but now I want to do something with them. I want to use them or to pass them along. Could anyone tell me what I have, so that I can make decisions? (Each numbered entry represents another item.)

1. K. STAUDENMAN 830S

2. circled W; lion on all fours-facing left; STERLING; initials M A

3. PAT 1896; lion/all fours facing right; anchor; initial C, B, or G?; STERLING; C

4. rounded crown, letters NSC; King Edward Silverplate

5. EPNS; MADE IN ENGLAND

6. 1847; ROGERS BROS. AI ; two words, rounded into a circle outline;? VERILNA _ _ _ _ ; a small dot in middle of the circle

7. NEW ENGLAND SILVERPLATE

8. INTERNATIONAL SILVERPLATE

9. COMMUNITY, numerals 504 in obverse of bowl

   Please take a "stab" at my forks!
   

10. WALLINGFORD CO. 12D W T

11. a star *; ROBERS&BRO. ; each letter in
    in upright rectangles I S

12. WM. ROGERS & SON AA ; in upright rectangles I S

13. WM.A.ROGERS A1 PLUS ; arched ONEIDA;
    underneath LTD
    
14. TUDOR PLATE ONEIDA COMMUNITY

15. TUDOR PLATE ONEIDA COMMUNITY MADE

16. EX PRNS BERGQUIST ; MADE IN SWE_ _ _

posted 06-27-2006 07:41 PM            

If you make use of the search function, you can make a good start on your own; almost all the names you have listed have been discussed in the past.

When you have narrowed the list, ask about the remaining mysteries. Including a good picture will help you get a worthwhile response.

posted 06-27-2006 08:40 PM            

Sincerely,
A.M.

posted 06-27-2006 09:02 PM            

Wyler's Book of Old Silver has a pretty straight-forward explanation of basic silver marking. A lot of libraries have it, and it is relatively inexpensive. A couple of things to help you narrow down your search.

• EPNS stands for electroplated nickel silver indicating that the piece is silver plate rather than sterling.

• A1 also designates plate indicating the depth of silver on the base metal.

• The word "sterling" is used to designate American pieces that are 92.5% pure silver.

• WEV is right about the search function. Type in the names of the makers listed on your spoons and you will find a wealth of information already posted.

PS Once you have done the search don't hesitate to post questions about a specific spoon.

posted 06-28-2006 10:44 AM            

the 830S on spoon number one indicates it is made of silver that is 830 parts per thousand silver or 83% silver and 17% other metals (such as copper and nickel). Sterling silver is 925 parts per thousand or 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. 830 silver tends to be one of the silver purity standards that is found on some European things, but not exclusively.

The markings on your spoon number three sound like the markings of the Gorham Silver Company which are a lion, anchor and letter G in gothic font.

The 12 D WT markings on fork number ten likely stand for 12 pennyweight (the D is the English symbol for penny, back before they changed over to the decimal system). This indicates the weight of silver they used to plate two dozen forks and is a rough indicator of thickness of silver plating.

posted 06-28-2006 08:29 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Alpha Malone:
Correct! My meaning was to evaluate the items, MYSELF, after considering approximate, factual identification. I am "old guard", which is why I decided to spend time on a forum that I deemed trustworthy. I appreciate the opportunity to clarify my intentions.

Sincerely,
A.M.

---

It would be difficult bordering on impossible to receive 'factual identification' without at least providing photos of the marks (photos of the items are appreciated, too). Dem's da fax!

The ones marked 'sterling' probably are sterling, the '830S' is probably 830/1000 silver, the rest are probably silver-plated base metal (not my area of interest).