posted 07-23-2005 12:56 PM            

Hi,

I've been reading about and collecting British and American silver for only a few months and have been lurking here occasionally, this is my first post.

I found this piece last week, and need help identifying it. It's 7.5" in diameter, has floral engraving (which is pushing through and slightly visible from the bottom) and an inscription in Spanish. My guess is it's early to mid 19th C Mexican, but I haven't been able to find the marks in any books or anywhere online.

The inscription is "El Cura, VIcario y Feligreses de Naucalpan a' su amado Prelado en sus Bodas de Oro," which I believe means something like "From the priest, vicar and parishioners to our beloved prelate (high priest) on their [50th wedding anniversaries]".

There is a little T-shaped knob sticking out of the middle, and the center 2.25" raised section is not engraved, making me think something is missing here.

It's marked on the bottom center with a crown over M, a lion rampant, and four letters, probably "DVLA." There is also an assay zig-zag about 2" long on the bottom edge.

I'm interested in knowing what it is (what was it used for, is something missing?) and what the marks are.

Here's the front and a close-up of the 3 marks:

Thanks!
Wil