Posted 11 years ago
Jae
(1 item)
Hello. I am trying to learn about this sterling silver pitcher that my mother had among her things. The pitcher has 5 distinct markings that has helped me identify it from England, 1830s, during King William IV's reign. Is this a rare pitcher? Who can appraise it for me? Thank you for your help!
jae, update us with photos of the markings we may be able to give you the maker. It is certainly a beautiful, and I am sure valuable pitcher, we can give opinions but not appraisals. Very pretty.
These are photos of my pitcher with one photo showing the five symbols on the bottom. Five symbols are as follows:
1- Griffin
2-Monkey or Lion's face
3-initials "CF"
4-initial "A"
5-man's profile
I went to an antique dealer here in Hawaii and the man told me it wasn't worth anything because it isn't part of a set. Is this true? It is very beautiful.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!
It makes perfect sense, your pitcher looks legit to me. Here is how to read the marks: The lion rampant, which you called griffin is the British hallmark for Sterling Silver (92.5 silver). The crowned lion is the city mark for London. The initial "A" is the date mark, which I agree dates to the year 1836, see the following link and I think you will agree:
http://www.925-1000.com/dlc_london.html
The man's profile is exactly who you mentioned in the description, King William the IV, and that is the duty mark. The final mark, which you say is AF is the maker's mark. I cannot find the initials AF on the web, but I may find it my book of English silver. I will have to pull it out of storage when I have the chance, but there is a good chance I will be able to help you ID the maker. Are you sure it is not an "AE"? I cannot see the image very clearly.
Lastly, the man who told you that it was not worth anything was completely wrong, and most likely lying to get it from you for a cheap price. Silver has the melt value of $20 - $30 dollars per ounce depending on the week. You have a piece of English silver from the early-mid 19th century, and one in good condition I am sure this is worth double or triple the melt. It is very rare that full sets of silver from this time period stay together. You have a wonderful piece of silver here, do not listen to that man, and never return to him for advice. Hope this helps!!!
I am sorry, I meant "CF" and CE respectively.