Posted 14 years ago
classylady…
(1 item)
My grandparents left me this set. I have tried to find some info on these but have had not luck.. Thanks for any help you can give me.
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what a beautiful set but I cannot make out the marks on the bottom.
On the bottom are the initials JM and then it has 4 other emblems. Will try and get a clearer pic of it.
Hi. I think the marks are English sterling silver.
But in this case they are from Scotland. Do you have Scottish ancestors?
The marks on the bottom of the sugar bowl can be read like this:
The Monarch's head at twelve o'clock indicating that tax was paid.
At three o'clock is the city mark for Edinburgh.
At six o'clock is a year letter "I or J" for 1840.
At nine o'clock is the thistle indicating the standard of sterling silver.
The makers mark is in the centre. J.Mc is for James McKay. He was an apprentice of Alexander Gardner in 1783. He became a Freeman in 1793.
http://www.silvercollection.it/englishsilverhallmarksEDI.html
http://www.edinburghassayoffice.co.uk/links.html
Vetrai0 is correct on all the identification, so I don't need to add more.... other than they are beautiful pieces! Be careful with cleaning and polishing them, don't use anything abrasive.
Thank you for all the info I have a few pieces of this silver. Is there anywhere I can find the value of this silver?
A few pieces?
The two you have shown would be from a much larger set or "service". They might include a teapot, coffeepot, hot milk pot, sugar bowl, creamer, slop bowl, hot water kettle & stand, chocolate pot, tea caddies, sugar tongs, bud vases, tray and the list goes on.....
Values are another thing completely.
Fashions determine demand for items.
So there is a right time to sell and a right time to buy.
At the moment I think there is a good demand for Scottish silver.
Some makers and styles would be more popular than others.
The city of manufacture can even mean a premium price.
The more complete a set the better.
Two pieces on their own would not make a "set"..... they are individual items.
The monogram on the pieces shown would generally devalue a piece.....
But if the monograms were related to a family or person of note then it might be a point of value.
Condition of the pieces is important.
Repairs are costly.
Check out the internet for similar pieces ..... similar Scottish pieces by this maker (if any) ...... contact specialist dealers in Scottish silver. You might also contact a reputable local auction house for advice or a valuation.
But if I were you, I would do my homework and use these items as a way of learning more about 'silver'. They are an important part of your family history.
Thank you so much, you have gave me some wonderful info . Yes it came from my Scottish side the Allerdice family that came over from Scotland.
Do you know of this site?
http://www.allerdice.net/History/notes/david.htm