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Author	Topic: Unknown Marks
Paul Lemieux Posts: 1792 Registered: Apr 2000	posted 12-01-2003 03:58 PM [01-1325] These are four silver or silverplated spoons. They are very heavy. Although there is no plate wear through, the marks could be silverplate pseudo hallmarks. It would be the first time I have seen an actual lion passant on silverplate, though. I first thought the marks were London marks, but the apparent date letter does not quite match anything. Also, I found it unusual that there were no maker's marks (I would sooner expect to see a maker's mark and no date or hall mark than vice-versa). IP: Logged
Bill H Posts: 31 Registered: Jan 2002	posted 12-02-2003 12:11 AM Paul, Your "silverplated" spoons are Chinese export solid silver made by Cutshing who was a prolific silversmith working in Canton in the second quarter of the 19th century. The "date letter" mark is really C U conjoined and was used by Cutshing prior to 1840. I would date the spoons ca 1835. Bill IP: Logged
Paul Lemieux Posts: 1792 Registered: Apr 2000	posted 12-02-2003 01:29 AM Bill, I appreciate your informative response. The thought of Chinese export crossed my mind briefly but I did not really think it was the case. Many thanks. IP: Logged
vathek Posts: 966 Registered: Jun 99	posted 12-02-2003 12:31 PM Below are photos of one of a pair of salt spoons with Chinese pseudo-hallmarks by Cumshing ca 1810. The first 'makers mark' is CS for Cumshing, followed by a lion passant and a Sheffieldish-looking crown, then a letter which appears to be an R. IP: Logged
Paul Lemieux Posts: 1792 Registered: Apr 2000	posted 12-02-2003 12:39 PM Can such information be found in the book Chinese Export Silver 1785 to 1885 by Forbes, et al? I have been debating whether to buy this book. IP: Logged
vathek Posts: 966 Registered: Jun 99	posted 12-02-2003 02:13 PM yes, but isn't Forbes out of print? Copies of his book go for a lot when they show up on ebay. IP: Logged
Bill H Posts: 31 Registered: Jan 2002	posted 12-02-2003 10:28 PM Paul, The Forbes book is a good foundation book for Chinese Export having been written be the experts in the field. However it almost 30 years old and much has been added to the field of knowledge since that time. ABE has an exlib copy for $100 which is a bit strong but not too bad. I book I would also highly recommend is The Chait Collect of Chinese Export Silver edited by Kernan and published in 1985. The Chait Gallery in New York assembled a large collection of Chinese Export Silver and produced this catalog with great pictures of both the pieces and the marks. It is harder to find than the Forbes book but for mark identification I believe it is superior. Chinese Export is a fascinating speciality and I think you will enjoy learning more about it. Bill IP: Logged

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