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hallmark minerve AND mercure?!

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Author	Topic: hallmark minerve AND mercure?!
ziela Posts: 10 Registered: Jun 2007	posted 06-03-2008 11:28 AM [26-1668] Hello, I found this object, I suppose it is for sugar or something, don't know, if anybody knows?? There are three hallmarks in it: the maker: Tirbour, than there is Minerva 1 but with all scratches through!!! and there is also Mercure! Can anyone help with an explanation why those hallmarks and also the use of this object? Many thanks! Now I'll try some pictures, sorry if it don't work. IP: Logged
agphile Posts: 798 Registered: Apr 2008	posted 06-03-2008 11:45 AM I can't help with an explanation of the hallmarks but I think the object is a tea strainer from the days when tea was made with loose tealeaves in the pot. The tea would be poured into the cup through the pierced strainer to catch any leaves. When the strainer was replaced on the table its base would catch any drips and save the tablecloth. The more common type of strainer, in England at least, did not have such a base and was placed over a separate slop bowl after use. IP: Logged
ziela Posts: 10 Registered: Jun 2007	posted 06-03-2008 11:58 AM Thanks for such a quick reply! yes, that seems reasonable for me, I'm sure you are right. But the hallmarks of minerve in both parths are both with scratches such as if the minerve halmark doesn't count anymore and it had to be mercure, strange... IP: Logged
silverhunter Posts: 704 Registered: Jul 2007	posted 06-03-2008 01:20 PM I've looked for name and found some silversmiths named Tirbour. Perhaps there are more than two, which I found until now. At a auction they mentioned a certain A.C. Tirbour worked and lived in Paris mid 19th century. And also mentioned C. Tirbour lived and worked in the 18th century. So it is a famous name and a good silversmith family. The knowledge given by father to son, I suspect. There is a photo of Chocolate can made by A.C. Tirbour to get a impression they made beautiful silverware. Also a photo of the silver mark of the silversmith A.C. Tirbour. It's interesting when you have a piece like this and I hope you get more reactions about the marks. Success with the hobby and perhaps you can tell us which kind of silver you are collecting and what your interest is for the silver item, if you will do that of course. IP: Logged
ziela Posts: 10 Registered: Jun 2007	posted 06-03-2008 02:10 PM Yes, it must be a good silversmith because it is such fine work! But the hallmark of mine is not the same as yours on that beautiful piece, and I found it is from Charles Tirbour 1897-1951 kuved ub Oarusn 23 rue chapon, and there is also a handbag in the hallmark. I have some special pieces of silver which I like very much, and when I see something on a brocante I buy it for my collection, but not specific from one country. I have 2 little coffee spoons (Russian) I think from 17.., and a beautiful couvert from France, perhaps I will ask some more information for those also I'll take pictures first. Thanks for you answer! IP: Logged
silverhunter Posts: 704 Registered: Jul 2007	posted 06-03-2008 03:56 PM The photo's belong to the auction house where this one was sold, but it was a example considering which silver objects were made by (I suppose) earlier family relatives. It sounds good about which silver you're collecting. I was proud to have some Vhristofle flatware but this is more interesting 17. So if you are able to send your new topic and questions in the future it will be also a good item. One question is it possible for to make a clearer photo of the second mark becaus I can't recognize it. Success! IP: Logged
silverhunter Posts: 704 Registered: Jul 2007	posted 06-03-2008 04:07 PM I give it a try for the little mark it is possible this mercury mark stands for a french made export mark and is used from 1878-1973. The big minerva is a ? to me, but I follow the topic. IP: Logged
agphile Posts: 798 Registered: Apr 2008	posted 06-03-2008 06:31 PM Silverhunter I think the question is why there is both the Minerva (standard) and the Mercury (export) mark. I assume the Minerva mark was put on by mistake and therefore cancelled when the Mercury mark was added, but I had hesitated to volunteer this earlier because I know nothing about the French marking system so I risk being misleading as well as revealing my ignorance. IP: Logged
agphile Posts: 798 Registered: Apr 2008	posted 06-04-2008 03:58 AM Or was there a system for reclaiming duty when an item was exported that involved cancelling the Minerva mark to prevent further fraudulent claims? IP: Logged
silverhunter Posts: 704 Registered: Jul 2007	posted 06-04-2008 04:58 AM Agphile, Good thoughts from your side, I don't know. I'm not good in recognizing silver marks, but I always give it a try. It's interesting learning about all that silver marks. Once I saw a piece of dutch silverware with five export marks on it. It bring mystery and research that's what I like about silver. But back to this topic and I wait for the solution. There are also member/s who are specialized in these kind of French marks. IP: Logged

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