|
M
y s t e r y M a r k s 2
|
This page
includes marks from M - Z. Please Click
here to go back to
Mystery Marks I (marks from A - L). Click here for a
numerical list of Mexican "Eagle" Marks |
"M"(
in a shield flanked by two birds), "STERLING" |
I would like to know about a flatware
hallmark. It is on an old meat fork and says STERLING with an M in a simple
shield flanked by 2 birds, presumably eagles. The metal design work is not of
high quality which makes me think it is older than 80 years old. If I am in the
wrong forum, please excuse me and direct me where I should look.
submitted by Mary
This
mark is most likely for Manchester Mfg. Co., Providence Rhode Island. In
Rainwater's, "Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers, it
states that the company manufactured sterling silver fancy flatware,
hollowware, and novelties beginning in 1887. After 1915 (or so) the
company became the Manchester Silver Company.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
"M" with the words
ade/in/exico sort
of arranged among lines of the letter M in this fashion---- Reading
from the top, The letter M is on its side. the ade is next, the
word "in" is cradled in the "V" of the letter, next is the
word "exico" and next the other leg of the letter M. It is also
marked SILVER. |
I need help identifying a set (Large Clip/Pin, Bracelet, Earrings).
The pin is 45cm by 82 cm and is set with a large root beer colored
glass stone. It is in an intricate silver (tests as at least
sterling) in an extremely Art-Deco Style. It is marked on the rear
with a large (almost 7X7cm letter M with the words ade/in/exico sort
of arranged among lines of the letter M in this fashion---- Reading
from the top, The letter M is on its side. the ade is next, the word "in" is cradled in the "V" of the letter, next is the
word "exico" and next the other leg of the letter M. It is also
marked SILVER.
There are two matching earrings with the same "M" signature and
stones, and a LARGE bracelet made of a 95mm long 33mm wide central
motif set with the same type of stone and a band made of 6X 15MM
cylinders which are hinged to each other.
I have checked all my books and I can not find any referemce to this
maker. WHO could it possibly be, and WHEN was it made? the
workmanship is incredible, but I would love to know more.
submitted by Carol Kelley |
"G M" in a double circle |
I have acquired a beautiful bracelet and necklace of silver
filigree, large blue topaz and a center of a cameo. There is a
hallmark that appears to be a G and an M in a double circle.
I think it looks Russian, the cameo has a reddish brown back and the
face and neck are in profile in a lighter beige. Any help on
identifying would
be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
submitted by Jo-An |
"SPM" |
Recently inherited ring with the hallmark SPM, on left side of S 1/2
diamond shape, right side
of M other 1/2 diamond shape and then joined at top and bottom with a
line. Can any please tell
me who made this ring and approximate age?
submitted by Cheryl
Hi! I found SPM listed in a trademark book from 1950 and in Rainwater's
book. It stands for J. Schnelwar & Sons, Inc. in business since
1905. In the trademark book, the entry was under "Rings and
Mountings" -so that is most likely the company that made your ring. The
Rainwater book says that today they only deal in loose diaminds. You may
need to date it by the style.
information provided by Karen B. |
M801n |
I
have 3 enamel gilded cup holders and they are marked on the bottom M80ln
.Are these from Italy and are they 800
silver?
submitted by Lee
|
"MAKI,
SILVER" |
Have any of you seen a pin like this before? It's an interesting piece,
marked MAKI SILVER. The top looks like tortoise or bakelite with beautiful
detailed painted leaves on each side.
submitted by Ellen from Santa Cruz
|
Macchiarini

Peter Macchiarini (early
signature)

|
Peter Macchiarini (1909 - 2001) is considered
one of the pioneers of American modernist studio jewelry. His
studio/gallery was in the North Beach section of San Francisco where,
beginning in the 1930s, he handcrafted unique works of art including
sculpture and jewelry. Margaret De Patta was a close friend and, together
with other "pioneers" of this period, they started the San Francisco
Metal Arts Guild.
Please read more about Peter Macchiarini in both of my books,
"Modernist Jewelry,
1930-1960, The Wearable Art Movement" and
"Form & Function,
American Modernist Jewelry, 1940 - 1970." His work
was a major part of the exhibit
"American Modernist Jewelry, 1940 - 1970" at the Fort Wayne Museum of
Art, 2008.
See
American Modernist Jewelry, 1940 - 1970, MODERN SILVER magazine,
Winter, 2008-2009.
Also see Macchiarini
on Macchiarini, June - July, 2000--one of the first and still one of the best articles
from MODERN SILVER magazine.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon |
"Sterling, Macefield"
 |
(Example is a ring with a Nice Sized Pearl on oneside and a Gold Ball
on the Other Each is Hooded with a Silver Bowl that has a hole so you can
see through to the Otherside! Stands Quite High off the Shank...I hope the
descriptions don't sound to disappointing. It is signed Sterling and what
looks like macefield.)
submitted by Roger Erickson
For information on Macefield, see
http://www.modernsilver.com/macefield/macefield.htm |
"A Manca" |
A. Manca: A late Arts & Crafts
style designer, usually marked "handwrought", maybe NY
Albino A. Manca (1898 - 1976)
was a well known, late Arts & Crafts style designer.
He was born in Tertenia, Italy in 1898 and became a sculptor of
commemorative works, a medalist, crafts person, and professor of art at
the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome. Most of his career was spent in New
York City; although he spent much time in Italy where he was also a
student at the Academy of Fine Arts and exhibited at the Roman
Exchange and the Italian Salon. Other exhibition venues were the
National Sculpture Society, National Academy, Pennsylvania Academy, and
Rockefeller Center.
He created numerous medallions including ones for the Vatican in
Rome. The "East Coast Memorial" in Battery Park in New York City is his
most famous large-scale work and depicts a bronze eagle, 18 and 1/2 feet
high, atop eight granite slabs. It is a memorial to President John F.
Kennedy. Manca also did WPA (Works Progress Administration) sculpture,
and one of these pieces is "Wild Duck and Deer", 1942, in Lyons, Ohio.
He also designed gates for the New York World’s Fair. He created a
three-tiered composition for these impressive gates. Aquatic plants
occupy the lowest level, marine life, such as fish and mollusks reside
on the second level, and terrestrial plants, animals and birds are
situated on the top level. Measuring 22 feet across, and ranging from
outer to inner height from 10 to 8 1/2 feet, the monumental gates are an
appropriate introduction to the actual species within.
He was an extremely gifted jewelry designer who specialized in hand
wrought sterling silver flowers. This jewelry is highly prized by
serious collectors and is quite rare.
From askart.com |
Thomas Mann
 |
Thomas Mann, a very well known contemporary
jeweler based in New Orleans, has been creating jewelry for about thirty
years. He describes himself as "an artist working in the medium of
jewelry and sculpture." He has won numerous awards for his jewelry and
is featured in many books on modern jewelry including Art
Jewelry Today by Dona Z. Meilach.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com
|
Margot de Taxco

|
Margot van Voorhies Carr arrived in
Mexico City in 1937. While there, she met and became friends with
Maria Castillo and the two traveled together to Taxco where she was
introduced to and eventually married Antonio Castillo, who put her to
work designing jewelry that he would create. She was a talented
designer who worked for many years creating some of Los Castillo's most
successful designs. In 1948, she opened her own shop, Margot de
Taxco, and eventually, had over 20 silversmiths and ten enamelists
on her staff. Her work is unique and very desirable for its
quality and beauty. Her enamels were sometimes based on Japanese
designs and the colors are spectacular. Margot's work, more than
any other, was designed for woman--it is mostly very wearable and highly
feminine. Information can be found in Mexican Silver by Carole Berk and Penny Morrill and William Spratling
and the Mexican Silver Renaissance. Her work was included in
the traveling exhibit, William Spratling and the Mexican Silver
Renaissance.
You can order Mexican Silver, $59.95
(item #SMB001) or Silver
Masters of Mexico, $49.95 (item #SMB002) from
MODERN SILVER
magazine books Please add $3.95 for shipping for each book.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
"MARITSCHNIG
SWEDEN, ICO, 1 "(in a circle), three crowns in a trefoil,
"S" (in a hexagon)
"Y8"
|
Hello there! I recently bought a bracelet marked
MARITSCHNIG SWEDEN
followed by several marks - ICO , what looks to be a 1 in a circle, three
crowns in a trefoil, an S in a hexagon, and Y8.
From reading the list of Mystery Marks I found the meanings of the
three-crowns mark and the S, but would anyone be able to tell me anything
more about this bracelet? Thanks so much for any help provided.
The Y8 is for 1949 and the ICO is probably for Galerie 22, Stockholm,
but I don't know what MARITSCHNIG means.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
William Mason
|
What can you tell me about William Mason and Leonard Field,
jeweler/artisans who worked out of Winchester, Mass. after World War II?
submitted by Paul
For information on William Mason and Leonard
Field see
http://www.modernsilver.com/macefield/macefield.htm |
"Matl"
Matilde Poulat
Salas

|
A collector from Australia sent me photos of a beautiful Matl necklace
> about
> which she would like more information.
The piece appears to be an early necklace by Matilde Poulat, but
I've always wondered whether the "Matl" marks that are incised (or scratched
on the surface of the metal such as the marks on this necklace) are actually
early
Matilde Poulat marks. The ones I've seen on her beautiful early
repousse pieces are impressed or stamped. This piece also has patent and registration
marks. Are the pieces with the scratched marks designs by Matilde Poulat that
were produced later? I don't see a "Salas" mark on this
piece and I thought the pieces made after 1960 would be marked "Salas" together with
the other marks.
She also told me that "the necklace is actually the Mayan Calendar: days, months and years. A professor
at the NSW University picked this up after he counted all the stones, and the way they were segmented, and he
noted that this had taken a considerable effort by the maker to work out."
Is this true or simply coincidence?
submitted by Marbeth Schon
I have been buying from Mr. Salas for many years. On my older pieces
he put the patent number. On his more recent pieces he either uses a
rectangular piece of silver soldered on the back with Matl in script
and M REGIS (marca registrada - registered mark) followed by a number,
MEXICO 925, MS-12 or he simply "scratches" on the back "Matl,
Mex 925"
He doesn't always scratch on the "MS-12" or
"Salas". My "scratched"
pieces match the photos here. I know he wrote them because we were
visiting with him at his home when he was marking pieces. So just
because it doesn't have MS-12 or Salas does not mean it is a Matilde
Poulat piece. It could mean he just didn't put it on!
I last saw him over a year ago, he is a most wonderful man (in his
80's) with a great family. He has a small booth at the Bazar Sabado in
San Angel in Mexico City that is open for a few hours on Saturday only.
I enjoy reading and learning from the SilverForum; keep sending those
emails! The following is a detailed
summary from Sheila Pamfiloff of www.glitterbox.com
regarding Matl hallmarks: 1940s...Stamped
Matl in fat script (curled beginning on M) or block, sometimes with a 950
or 925, no government assay mark. Stamped on the metal or applied oval
early
1950s...Stamped thin script Matl with stamped sterling and 950 or 925
and Mexico.sometimes with the eagle 1, by
mid 1950s, should have an eagle 129.
late
1950s-early 60s...Transition marks, thin dremel script mark with reg.
numbers, Mexico, (usually a space between Mex & ico), 925, all etched
in. (sometimes with/eagle 129). 1960s...Salas,
thicker stippled dremel, sometimes with Salas and sometimes without; and
reg and other marks stamped in. 1970s
and on...Salas with MS-12, Reg# Stamps used, and later, no more eagle
stamps. Remember that marks can
overlap time frames for various reasons. And, it is quite possible that
all marks don't get placed on a piece for reasons of space availability
or that they forgot to place one of the marks on a piece (rarely, but
quite possible). Most of
my known Sals works have been marked Salas, (either stamped or dremel
etched) but occasionally I find the Salas ommitted.
I
generally look at the whole piece along with the marks to determine
questionable dating on pieces. |
"Maya"

|
I'm wondering if any of you have any information on Maya copper. I guess
there's a Taxco silver artisan who signs his/her work "Maya"
but I'm not
familiar with this work, so I'm not certain that my "funky green
painted
copper Maya" is the same as the "silver Maya." I can send
jpegs if it's
helpful at all. Most of the pieces I've seen are bold and very fanciful:
dragon motif, Aztec figures, etc., but I've also seen a couple of more
traditional pieces. Thanks!
submitted by Kim Matthews |

Patricia
Madeja |
See:
http://www.patriciamadeja.com/
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
Miguel Melendez

|
Miguel Melendez began his career as an
apprentice at Taller de las Delicias. He joined Los Castillo at
its formation in 1940. He had worked at Los Castillo for many
years before he joined Margot at Margot de Taxco. Melendez
eventually became workshop manager at Margot. (from "Mexican
Silver Trade and Hallmarks" by Bille Hougart.)
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
Menuki jewelry
 |
I recently came into a collection of very
interesting silver jewelry from Japan. I beleive it is called Menuki
from my poking around the web. Has anyone seen anything like it or know
where I can get more information regarding age and
value? Any input appreciated!
submitted by Ellen
www.deja-voodoo.com
Menuki are part of the "furniture" used on
Japanese swords. Two menuki are used per sword and are used underneath
the wrappings of the handle. After the
manufacture of swords was banned the craftsmen who originally made the
sword furniture had to redirect their skills to the making of other
items. (Often
for the Western trade).
I have seen several menuki converted to brooches and tie bars. Other
parts of the sword furniture have been mounted onto rings or onto
containers as decoration.
Information provided by Fred Zweig
http://fredz49.blogspot.com/
|
"M" on top of "J"
|
I have another mystery for you.....this one has a nice arts and crafts
look and is marked with what looks like an M on top of a J. Any one have
an
idea who the maker might be?
submitted by Ellen from Santa Cruz |
"M" or a heart with the letters
"A" & "E" inside
(Mexican mark)
|
The mark resembles a letter "M" or a heart with
the letters A and E inside.
As far as I can remember, none of the other pieces had an eagle
assay, so I would assume they are mostly from the early 40's.
submitted lby ....Doug & Jessica |
"MM" and eagle mark
"17 (Mexican) |
I have a Mexican 980 silver bracelet marked "MM"....does anyone know
who this
mark belongs to? The spread eagle is #17 and the numerical listing assigns
this to Antonio. Could it be a Miguel Melendez mark? Thanks in advance for
your help!
submitted by Kathy |
"MM34" |
I am trying to establish the time frame for this wonderful "Silver
Fox"
sterling piece.
It has no "eagle" assay mark & I recall something about
that fact
helping to date a piece. What is the MM34 in the upper left corner? An
apprentice or assistant mark?
I was surprised to find this sterling pin that looks like a Lea Stein
plastic fox.
Wonder who was first.
Sande
|
"M" with "R" superimposed over it
"Sterling, Mexico" |
I recently purchased this piece and am wondering how I can tell if
this is
dyed agate or other green stone and if any has a clue who the maker is ?
I belive the signature is M with a R superimposed over it. It is also
marked Sterling Mexico.
submitted by Frances Rosenau
Today, I bought earrings marked RM, Hecho en Mexico 900. They
are screw backs
and appear to be from the 40's, 50's time period. Mine is just a
black RM, but
they place where they are marked, that is all there is room for.
Possibly the
same maker? Wonder why they are 900? I don't often see 900.
Either 980, 925,
submitted by Beegee
I can't make out the mark on your Mexican piece by your photos, but
there is
a mark for Rafael Melendez which is a large cursive "M" with
an "R" coming
from the inside left of the "M". Melendez worked for
Hector Aguilar in the
late 1930s and had his own workshop in the 1940s and 50s. There is
information on Melendez and a photograph of this mark in "Silver
Masters of
Mexico" by Penny Morrill, pg. 85.
It's difficult to tell by the photo whether or not the piece is carved
stone,
but most of the carvings like yours that I have seen are of green stone.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
stylized block "M" and "TJ-26"
|
We picked up a nice solid necklace with a not-very-legible mark--looks
like
a stylized block M and TJ-26. Does anyone have any idea who this is?
submitted by Dale Reed |
"BM CO Sterling"
|
(Example was a beautifully enameled sterling leaf pin, mark is BM CO
and Sterling.
submitted by Adrienne Garden Party Collection
The BM Co pin was made by Breadner Company, Ltd. of Hull, Quebec, Canada.
The company was Breadner Mfg.Co, from 1903 until 1930, when it became the
Breadner Co. Ltd. BM Co made sterling souvenir flatware and sterling souvenir
jewelry. I sometimes see a maple leaf brooch in green, yellow, red and orange
basse-taille enamel. For more information, see Rainwater's "American Silver
Manufacturers," 4th edition.I hope this helps you,
information provided by Paul |
Eric Magnussen mark with running man and also marked
"California"
|
(Example was a brooch with the mark for Eric Magnussen, and a
little running man .The brooch ia also stamped California.)
submitted by Vanessa, Retrogallery
I found a reference for Magnussen working for a German firm-- Thomas Dingeldein
and Son. It says "they had a showroom in New York, and then worked in Chicago
and, from 1932 to 1938, in Los Angeles". I'm not sure if that reference means
that he worked for Dingeldein in Los Angeles, but, at least, that would explain
the California mark on your piece and, perhaps, date it. My book does not
show the mark for Thomas Dingeldein.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
"A Manca" |
A. Manca: A late Arts & Crafts
style designer, usually marked "handwrought", maybe NY |
Flli Maregotti
|
I haven't any luck sending pics so I'll ask the question and send a pic later ... I found a sterling ring which is enamelled in a chetah / tortoise pattern . It has an emerald cut topaz or citrine and an oval signature plate which says something like 925in an oval under that the sig Flli Maregotti and under that Italy . I'm not sure on the name . It's in script and you know how hard that can be to read . This is VERY Art Deco in design and also Gucci in style . Please help if you can.
Thank you and peace be with you, Heather |
"MASHA, Sterling"
|
I just acquired the most adorable teddy bear pin, made very well, cast
of sterling, heavy, detailed. It is signed on the back in script
MASHA,
then sterling, then the copyright symbol. Any one ever hear of
Masha?
submitted by Beverly Barton |
"MAZREF, SILVER"
|
I recently acquired a long-time heart's desire of mine, a set of vintage
Russian-style teaglass holders in 800 silver. The holders feature lovely
repousse roses all around, with chasing on the handles, and are marked on
the bottom with the words MAZREF, SILVER, followed by the Hebrew word for
silver ("kesef," if one were to transliterate it into the Roman alphabet),
a mark which the seller described as a "cartouche" (but which is the Hebrew
letter "mem," possibly referring to MAZREF), and the number 800. Each marking
has been individually stamped. Does anyone know who or what Mazref is? (The
rest of the marks are not a mystery.) Any other information, such as possible
timeframe?
submitted by Linda in Philadelphia |
"Meka, Denmark" |
Examples were several pieces of enamel pendants marked Meka and Denmark.
submitted by Jackie Weeks |
Rafaelf Melendez

|
Rafael Melendez (1911- 1980) worked for
William Spratling at Taller de las Delicias beginning in 1932. He left
Spratling in 1939 to start his own workshop that he called the Plateria
Melendez. Many of his pieces were made with 980 silver. He
used two versions of his conjoined RM mark. (from "Mexican
Silver Trade and Hallmarks" by Bille Hougart.)
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
"Mendoza "(with eagle mark) |
(Example is a silver bowl with the name Mendoza and the Eagle mark)
submitted by Lonny Rosen |
"merri-lynn" |
(Example was a Mid-century Modern brooch, ca. 1955, signed STERLING then
"merri-lynn" in all lower case letters. The brooch is a flowerhead motif,
about 1.5" x 1.25", all hammered with irregularly sized and spaced petals,
some being almost twice as wide as others. The center appears to be some
sort of strange stone that I am not familiar with; the stone has an polished
edge, and a recessed, unpolished, slightly crystallized center; in the center
of the recessed section the stone bulges out and resembles an orange and
white corn kernel, somewhat similar to Indian corn. Any help on the artist
(or the stone) would be appreciated.
submitted by Paul. |
Mexican Eagle Marks |
Click
here for a complete list of Mexican Eagle Marks |
"925 Mexico" |
I encountered a very 50s-60s looking Mexican sterling looking necklace and
bracelet today. Was actually shocked to learn they were Mexican as they
looked quite Scandinavian in appearance.
The only marks on each piece are 925 Mexico. I am familiar with Mexico
Sterling as a 1930s and 40s mark, as well as the later system of marking up
to the present time. But I have not encountered this mark before and am
hoping a Mexican silver expert can shed some light on when this might have
been produced. The pieces are heavy and well-made, but the style is not
reminiscent of any Mexican designer I have encountered -- again, more 60s
Jensen than Mexican!
submitted by Evelyn |
 |
Someone sent me a photo of a Mexican mark that I believe we may have discussed before, but I don't remember if there was any deduction that followed
as
to the maker.
The piece is a sterling link necklace (Spratling-like) that is marked
"TAXCO" and then this interesting maker's mark.
submitted by Marbeth Schon |
A. Michelsen
 |
Anton Michelsen (1809-77) opened his shop in 1941 in Denmark.
His firm obtained early recognition for the quality of its output
and, for several generations, the firm was the leading producer of
gold and silver objects in Denmark with significant influence on
Danish jewelry design. Many excellent and famous designers worked
for the company throughout the years. A Michelsen jewelry is known
for superb design and quality.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
"MIKIMOTO" |
I'm hoping one of you can assist me. I went to a shop where I saw a
beautiful assortment of high quality pearl and silver pins. On each one
the
dealer had the pin marked MIKIMOTO on his tag. However, only two of them
had
the M in the clamshell, the rest had what looked like a K or an R in a
clamshell. I believe that Mikimoto only used the M or had their name
written
out. Is this correct?
submitted by Ellen |
Andreas Mikkelsen
 |
Danish
designer, Andreas Mikkelsen
(b.1928) worked with the Georg Jensen
company in the 1950s. He later became
head of sales, head of production and
product development and even rose to the
post of managing director.
He also worked
independently and with other designers
and, in the late 1980s, designed jewelry
for the Georg Jensen company.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
Minas Spiridis
 |
This mark is from a modernist sterling ring by Georg Jensen.
Other marks on the ring were the typical Georg Jensen marks from
post WWII. submitted by Marbeth Schon
The designer is Minas from Greece.
Minas designed for Jensen in the early 1990's.
Information provided by Soren Jensen
www.jensensilver.com
biographical information about
Minas Spiridis can be found at
http://www.jensensilver.com/news-info/designers.html
|

Mings, Sterling |
Ming's was first listed
in the 1940-41 Directory of the City and County of Honolulu. There
were Ming's stores on the mainland and goods were also sold through
catalogues. Ming's last retail site, the one in Honolulu closed in
October of 1999. Many of the pieces were designed by Wook Moon and
most examples are signed "Ming's." (see MODERN SILVER magazine
article, The
Jewelry of Hawaii by Sheryl Gross Shatz.
|
Frank Miraglia 

|
Frank Miraglia
worked in New York during the mid 20th century. He is regarded as an
accomplished modernist jeweler and his work is highly collectible. His
work was featured in my book "Modernist Jewelry 1930-1960, The Wearable
Art Movement ."
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
"Harald Moltke"

|
Harald Moltke: Harald Viggo Moltke
was born in 1871 in Elsinore (Helsingor), Denmark, and died in 1960 in
Frederiksberg, Denmark. Ten years of his childhood was spent in North Carolina,
USA. He returned to Denmark from the US in 1881. In 1889, he
began studying at the Danish Academy of Arts where he graduated in 1893.
In 1894 he began his career as an artist exhibiting his paintings at
Charlottenborg's autumn exhibition. In 1902-1904 he went on an expedition
to Greenland with Knud Rasmussen which inspired his art from then on. From
1907-1908 he worked at the Royal Danish Porcelain Factory and from 1908-1914
at Bing & Grondahl. He is known for his portraits in oils and his
paintings from Greenland
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
Jessie Monongye

|
Jesse Monongye was raised in New
Mexico in the famous Navajo rug center of Two Gray Hills. His
earliest artistic influences came as he watched weavers.
Their pursuit of balance and technical perfection. The beautiful
songs the women sang as they wove. The soothing sound of the loom.
All this stayed with Jesse as he started at the jeweler's bench
years later.
Although busy producing his own work,
Jesse shares his expertise. He assisted in the placing of historic
and contemporary Native American jewelry in the permanent display at
the Heard Museum. He also was the Artist in Residence at the Heard
Museum during 1986-87, both teaching and demonstrating the
centuries old art of Navajo jewelry making.
Jesse’s jewelry has been featured in
a number of group and private exhibitions and is represented in
both corporate and private collections. (quoted from
http://www.sedonawolf.com/monongye/jesse.html )
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
Gonzalo Moreno |
I am trying to find out more about a Mexican silversmith by the name
of
Gonzalo Moreno or Gonzalo Morenom. He used the Eagle 11 assay
mark, and
he worked in Mexico City. I am looking for any and all information
about him. He may, at one time, have worked for Conquistador, but
I
have no factual information (yet!) that confirms that.
submitted by Phyllis Goddard |
Philip Morton
 |
Philip Morton's
books, Contemporary Jewelry, a
Studio Handbook and Contemporary Jewelry, a Craftsman's
Handbook are invaluable resources for collectors, jewelers and
students who wish to learn about the history of the modern studio
jewelry movement and its design principles, materials and techniques.
Morton's childhood and college
days were spent in Utah. In the 1930s he took a course in jewelry
design from a WPA sponsored art project and from that time forward, he
made jewelry. His studies in contemporary art movements were done
on his own.
During World War II he moved to California where
his jewelry sold successfully at many of the leading shops in the San
Francisco area. By 1946 he was also producing his own line of
contemporary silverware and, in 1947, because of his success as a
metalsmith and designer, he was invited to teach design at Alfred
University at the School for American Craftsmen. A year later he
took a position with the newly formed art department at the University
of Minnesota where he taught three dimensional design, jewelry making
and sculpture.
In 1951 he established the first bronze foundry in
any American university art program. his own work, over the next
few years was devoted to bronze sculpture and jewelry making.
Morton's work has been widely
exhibited at museums in the United States and other countries.
His work
is featured in both of my books,
Modernist Jewelry,
1930-1960, The Wearable Art Movement and Form & Function, American
Modernist Jewelry, 1940 - 1970 and was included in the exhibit
"American Modernist Jewelry, 1940 - 1970" at the Fort Wayne Museum
of Art, 2008.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
"MOSS" |
Hello again,
Does anyone recognize the name Moss as a jewelry maker?
I purchased a silver urn shaped brooch and it is marked MOSS, all in caps
submitted by
manon kaveskyI don't recoginize that name but know about Moss Agate. It is a member of the
quartz family usually translucent with a moss pattern. Does your silver pendent
have a stone?
Eleanor Lee |
"AN" or "MN"
|
(Example is a mark on the outside of the shank on "1960s-on Moderne"
artist-crafted sterling ring with a white and a "black" (more dark green)
cultured pearl: This is the mark as close as I can scan it. A N? M N? The
letters overlap.
Front view of ring with the two pearls. The white pearl has a big blister
on one side. It looks "natural" as in having been that way, not a damage.
I have never seen this on cultured pearls before, is it normal?
submitted by Liz Bryman |
"S.H.M.
Co." |
I have just come across a vase/urn by simspon hall miller but am
unable to find anything about it or even marks that are the same. On
the bottom it has
S.H.M. Co.
wallingford
conn
treble plate
patented march 8 1870.
Then on the inside bottom of it it is stamped 1800
submitted by Michael
|
conjoined
"WM"

|
I've acquired a very nice abstract brooch (sterling with a small dot of gold)
which I believe is an American studio, mid 20th Century piece. I don't
recognize the maker and was hoping someone else would be familiar with the
mark. It looks like a conjoined "WM."
submitted by Marbeth Schon
|
mourning buckle
"C. KUNZE"
|
I recently bought a vulcanite two-piece buckle at a flea market. I
believe it is a mourning buckle. However, I can't tell if it was
made to mourn the death of somebody well-known or not. Does anybody
have any guesses as to whether the man depicted on the buckle is
famous (e.g., a poet, politician, etc.), or if he is just a generic
man? There is also a mark on this buckle: "C. KUNZE", which is on
the man's shoulder, and of which I have included a picture.
I'd like to know: who (if anybody) is depicted, country of origin,
and who "C. KUNZE" was. If anybody can help with these, or give me
advice about where I should look, I would be very grateful.
submitted by Paul.
The buckle *may* not be a mourning buckle but either a personal buckle set
of the owner or a buckle made for his wife to wear. I.e., the man had it
made with his face on it to identify it in case of theft or loss (or for
pure vanity purposes). Of course, if it's a mourning buckle, perhaps the
man on it represented his father. Other possible reason for wearing a
certain man's face on a buckle: A fraternal society official mourning
object required to be worn for a certain period of time (usually 1 year) to
honor a deceased prominent lodge brother.
In Europe, from the 18th through the late 19th centuries, the folk costumes
for men often included fancy belts and buckles, often made of hammered,
chiseled silver and brass. The MEN were often more Dressed Up than the
women in those times. [A note probably taken from the animal world where
the male is often much more glamorous than the female.] Men sported jewelry
and fancy costume details in a much higher degree on folk costumes than did
the women, in almost all cultures, including in traditionally conservative
countries, such as Germany and Switzerland.
Suffice it to say that original folk costume jewelry was often lovingly
handcrafted during the dark winters when the farms needed less tending,
that the jewelry was specifically made for a loved one, or oneself. With
the advent of the industrial age (after 1840), more machine-made objects,
including traditional "look" folk costume jewelry, would appear at local
fairs and festivals, as well as being sold in stores and by street vendors
in the areas where it previously was only handcrafted. The proliferation of
cheap and ready-made jewelry, trinkets, made the handcrafted pieces less
desirable (back then!), and less of it was made by hand as it could now be
so readily purchased (what else is new).
The name KUNZE is as Germanic as it can get. Whether it "means" anything
would be for the experts to say.
information provided by Isabelle Bryman |

 |
Sterling modernist pin signed "MP, 23, 925"
and stylized hallmark. I'm
including the marks and one picture of the pin which I had submitted to
Silver Forum earlier. Another member wrote to say she also had a piece
with the marks--sort of tool-like or more fancifully Bees, as was also
very curious to learn about it.
submitted by Adellar Greenhill
|
"830S ARN"
|
(Example wasa Danish skønvirke brooch, c.1910, marked "830S ARN".
submitted by Paul.
"A.R.N." or "A.R.Nielsen" are the marks for Anton Johan Rasmus Nielsen of
Haslev, Denmark, in operation from 1905 to 1937.
information provided by
Patrick Kapty
http://stores.ebay.com/California-Dreamin-Retro-Modern-ETC |
"A.T.N.
0.900" |
Can
someone please help identify a mark likely from a maker in Columbia,
South America. It is a shield containing crossed hammers, and within the
crossed hammers are the letters "A T N", and 0.900. It is an
arts and crafts
piece, hand hammered. If you can help I will be most appreciative.
submitted by Ken |
Helge Narsakka
 |
Helge Narsakka is a Finnish designer who
worked for Kaunis Koru in the 1960s. We would love to have more
information this artist.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
Bob Natalini |
Bob (Robert )Natalini, active in
Philadelphia around 1970s-80s, famous for incorporating little components
that 'lit up' within his jewelry.
submitted by Gail Selig |

Lollita Natachu |
Fred and Lolita
Natachu are a husband and wife
team who work in mosaic and
channel inlay. Lolita is the daughter of Jacob Haloo. Her sisters,
Dolly Banteah, Rolanda Haloo and Nancy Lasconsello, are also recognized
Zuni artisans. from:
http://www.ohio.edu/museum/zuni/f_l_natachu.html
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |

Doug Nava |
Doug Nava was born and grew up in Southwest
Colorado. His father was Apache and his grandfather(mother’s father)
was a Taos Indian. Doug’s grandfather’s name was on the list of
students at St. John’s school in Taos.
Doug went to college in Gunnison in Western
Colorado. He earned a degree in art and was also self taught as he went
along. His wife, Elizabeth, also has an art degree. One year after
graduation, Doug bought Bennett’s Indian and Lapidary. He made jewelry
and sold it in his shop. His jewelry has evolved over the years from
Navajo style to fine inlay work. Doug is very talented in other art
mediums as well including painting and sculpting.
from:
http://hoelsindianshop.com/product/doug-nava-inlaid-bracelet/
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
Artemio Navarret
 |
Artemio Navarrete was the master silversmith
from Iguala who moved to Taxco to help William Spratling launch Taller
de Las Delicias in 1931. Navarrete taught and supervised many of
Spratling's artists who later established their own successful careers.
In 1936, he opened his own shop named "Chichen-Itza at San Agustin 10,
Taxco.
Many Navarette designs resemble
Spratling's designs. They have either a 980 or 940 silver mark
along with the conjoined AN. Naverette's mark closely resembles
that of Alfredo Villasana, but Navarette's is raised and Villasana's is
incised. (from "Mexican Silver Trade and Hallmarks" by
Bille Hougart.)
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
Gibson Nez

|
Gibson's jewelry is
famous worldwide, and is in the private collections of his
Congressman Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Co) and celebrities such as
Elizabeth Taylor, Willie Nelson, Robert Redford, Goldie Hawn, Joan
Lunden and many others. Gibson's jewelry began gaining notoriety in
the early 80s, and was often referred to as Star Wars jewelry, due
to the modern touch he brought to traditional silver and turquoise
Indian jewelry. He later began to branch out in his use of materials
by using gold, blue lapis, diamonds, coral and of course, turquoise.
His intricate designs and exacting detail were unmatched, as well as
his use of large stones, and his composition. Gibson was known for
his fine-line chisel work and his skillful inlay of gemstones. He
used no castings in his work and chose, cut and polished his own gem
stones.....Gibson won the prestigious Smithsonian Medal of Honor and
more than 700 blue ribbons.....
Gibson, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation grew up on
the Jicarilla Apache Reservation at Hillcrest. He began traveling
the rodeo circuit as a young man, competing in bull riding, with his
uncle, Jackson Velarde, from whom he also learned the basics of his
trade. Over time, his skill and unique style developed and began to
attract the attention of major art galleries and publications. He
was featured in an article in Arizona Highways early in his career,
and his work began winning Best of Show at many art shows including
the famous Indian Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico as well as Gallup
Ceremonial, the Heard Museum, the All Mankind Jewelry Competition in
Washington, D.C, and Casa Grande in Arizona. He moved to Santa Fe
where he could be closer to the exclusive galleries and customers
who regularly sought out his creations. His work has been featured
at exclusive galleries such as Wright?s Gallery in Albuquerque, NM,
the Scottsdale Trading Post in Scottsdale, AZ, the Tanner Chaney in
Albuquerque, NM, the Blue Rain Gallery in Taos and Santa Fe, NM. He
was a member of many organizations such as the Indian Arts and
Crafts Association and the Institute of American Indian Arts.
Quoted directly from
https://www.tannerchaney.com/newsletters/view/16
|
"New Orleans Silversmiths"
|
I recently purchased a brooch with the Hallmark "New Orleans
Silversmiths".
Does anyone know anything about this studio? The brooch is very
reminiscent of Kalo.
submitted by Joan Gruzen
I didn't realize that "Rainwater's Encyclopedia of American Silver
Manufacturers" had some information on New Orleans Silversmiths.
Rainwater
says that the company was "founded in 1938 by Karl Dingeldein,
native of
Hanau,Germany". I found an old newspaper article at the
Williams Research
Center in New Orleans that stated that the company was founded by Joseph
Antoine Harck, a Belgian emigre "who came to America to exhibit his
work on
behalf of the Belgian government at the Sesquicentennial Exposition, in
Philadelphia, in 1926.....Mr. Dingeldein was his successor.
Karl Dingeldein came from a long line of silversmiths. The first being
Johann
Siegmund Kurz of Hanau, Germany (in business until W.W.II) His
son, Karl
Kurz left the family enterprise and formed his own company. I
believe that
Karl Kurz was the maternal grandfather of Karl Dingeldein. His
father August
Dingeldein received the silver patterns used by the Kurrz shop in 1911
after
his marriage to Karl Kurz's daughter.
The firm of August Dingeldein and Sons was established in New York City
in
1924. During the depression there were some activities in Chicago
that were
transferred to New Orleans in 1936.
Karl Dingeldien had a brother, Otto Dingeldein who had his shop in St.
Louis,
Missouri and later in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The Historic
New Orleans
Collection has an out of print copy of a book titled "The Notebook
of
Silversmith Otto Dingeldein" (published in the 1980s) with
photographs of
some wonderful modernist work done by Otto.
Karl died in the 1960s and the business was purchased by another German,
Hans Leutkemeir. I do not know if he is the present owner, as I have
not been
able to talk with him but plan to very soon.
The marks of the New Orleans Silversmiths is an ornate German crest with
their name in the center (I'm not exactly certain how the center reads).
The
mark of Otto Dingeldein is a shield shape with "O.F.D" and
three
sergeant-type stripes. There is also another mark for
silverplate which is
a shield shape divided into three parts with a ring on the left, a
chalice on
the right and three small cup shapes in the top part.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com
Artist-silversmith Otto Dingeldein specialized in silver and church
pieces. While it's been noted his work is shown in a Historic New
Orleans Collection gallery, other Dingeldein objects are also on display
in the History Museum in St. Louis, where he lived from 1936 to 1959
(before relocating to Cape Girardeau, Mo.). He emigrated from Germany to
America in 1927. He was recognized with numerous awards, including one
named for him. From a long line of silversmiths dating back to the 1800s
in Germany, Dingeldein lived to age 84. He died in 1991.
information courtesy of Kathy Flood |
"Evald Nielsen"
"EN"
|
(Example was a compact with applied design with moonstones by Evald Nielsen.
The piece measures about 3-3/4 inches across and is solid with a nice patina..)
submitted by Evelyn Yallen
Evald Nielsen was apprenticed to the Copenhagen goldsmith A.Fleron in 1893
to make flatware,but instead of working on flatware became a chaser and engraver.
He was awarded a travel grant and in 1903 left his wife and family for the
life of a journey man traveling first to Germany and then to Paris.During
his travels jewellery design was taking on a new development.Although his
later work was typical of the Danish Skonvirke style his early work was inspired
by contemporary German jewellery.
Evald returned home in 1905 to start his own business, he was very successful
and in 1907 he was able to buy a whole workshop. .Evald jewellery was selling
so well all over Norway, Denmark, and Sweden that it was put on a par with
Jensen and his collaboration with S.L.Jacobson gave him the exclusive rights
to sell his work in Denmark.Norway, and Sweden.
Many silversmiths tried to copy Evalds style with stones almost bursting
out of a silver bud,but no one could master his style. He was chosen master
of the goldsmiths guild in 1918 which he held until 1948.
Evald Nielsen died in 1958.He always worked for himself and never worked
for the company Georg Jensen.
information provided by Vanessa Paterson
|

Wiwen Nilsson |
Wiwen Nilsson (1897-1974) was
considered one of the most outstanding modernist metalsmiths in Sweden
during his lifetime. He was appointed court jeweler in Sweden after
winning a gold metal in Paris for his silverwork. His workshop was in
the city of Lund, where he employed a out thirty craftsmen who created
his designs in metals, stones, and enamels. His work is highly valued
and widely collected throughout Scandinavia and the world.
information provided by
Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
"J N Sterling"
|
(Example is a sterling silver linked belt or necklace with the mark "J
N Sterling" (first letter is J, but I'm not certain the second letter is
an N) on the hook clasp. The piece appears to be Arts & Crafts period
and it's 34-5" long). submitted by Kathy |
"NOKO" |
(Example was a pendant marked NOKO? I'm not sure if it's initials, or
the full spelling. There's also a designer mark, "Etsuko". Other marks on
my pendant are the date letter for 1976, what looks like the Stockholm city
mark, and the regular Swedish hallmarks for silver, and "925". The pendant
is an open design of textured leaves of some kind. All components look cast,
then soldered together. Good weight.The pendant is about 2-1/2" wide by just
under 2-1/2" tall.)
submitted by Patrick Kapty
This company is a major dept. store in Stockholm, a very old and prominent
fine such store. I don't know about the rest of the name, Etsuko, sorry.
Apparently this piece was made to order to be sold in the Nordiska Kompaniet's
stores. This store is usually referred to as "NK" [pronounced ENN-KAU, with
a hard au sound, as in the word "more" in English] by the Swedes, and uses
the initials "N.K." in its advertising. Why the mark is NOKO instead of N.K.
I don't know, however, it is possible that the acronym NK couldn't be used.
information provided by Liz Bryman
Regarding previous comments on the mark "NOKO" found frequently on modern
Swedish silver jewelry, it was the registered mark used by "Nordisk Kokusai
AB" in Sundbyberg circa 1973-1979 and is usually seen with the designer's
name or initials. I have not been able to establish a relationship between
"Nordisk Kokusai" and "Nordiska Konpaniet," the large and prominent Swedish
department store where the first two letters of each word also forms the
abbreviated "NOKO." This company had jewelry shows featuring works by major
Swedish designers and silversmiths such as Sigurd Persson and Olle Ohlsson
and it is possible that the "NOKO" logo was used by them or that the two
companies are related.
information provided by Fred Rezazadeh
There was an iquiry regarding a piece I understand
to have been bought or acquired from or by way of Nordiska Kompaniet with a
marking saying Etsuko. Based on the description, I'm almost certain the
piece was made by a Japanese woman named Etsuko who lived in Sweden a very
long time. I don't know if she still does. She had a shop on the main strip
in Gamla Stan, or Old Town of Stockholm. What is a little odd is the stamp
he said was the equivalent of 1976. The leaf design is something I knew
Etsuko to make after 1982 sometime at which time my at that time fiance and
I commissioned her to design a wedding ring for us of red, white and yellow
gold leaves. She loved the cast she'd done for the leaves so much she
expanded her line into pendants holding semi precious stones, earings, and
broaches. I sold pieces on her behalf in California and New York. I have
often gone on-line to find where Etsuko might be keeping shop and this site
is the one site that has offered something about the Etsuko whose pieces I
will always hold dear to me for obvious reasons. Thank you for existing!
information provided by iscotti |
"NORTH, STERLING" |
Next is a Pin Modernist looking and marked handmade North
Sterling
submitted by Roger Erickson |
|
Anybody know the maker of this layered triple leaf sterling goldwash brooch,
stamped 925S Sterling Made in Norway with an anchor mark?
submitted by Sheryl
I have just
acquired three identically coloured, shaped and marked enamelled sterling
butterflies in a range of sizes. The medium-sized one has the Hroar Prydz '
pacman' symbol (sideways 'v' in a circle), while the other 2 have anchor
symbols. Comparison to the engine-turned markings confirms that the
butterflies are Hroar Prydz. This would strongly suggest that the Norwegian
anchor sign is related to this silversmith.
information provided by
Jac Cattaneo |
"BO", three crowns in a pyramid;
"S; 5; U8" |
I have inherited an old Swedish cake server. It is 8 1/2 inches long
and 2 1/4 inches at its widest point. It has an engraved scene
showing a reindeer and lapplander? and another small scene of a
reindeer and a wolf.
I am interested in its date and location of manufacture.
In order, there are stamped on the bottom of the handle the following:
BO; three crowns in a pyramid; S; 5; U8.
submitted by Greg Anderson
I believe your cake server (which sounds lovely) was made by Bror Onnela (my
guess is that this is the name of a silversmith as well as a company--but I
might be wrong) of Haparanda in 1946. Onnela was there from 1938-1946, and
then
is listed in Vittangi from 1947-1949, and then Lulea from 1950-1980. The
three crowns indicate the item was made in Sweden (if they are within a trefoil)
or imported (if within a circle). Most likely your piece was made in Sweden
because the maker was a Swedish silversmith. The "S" indicates
the item is
silver (.830 or higher) and "U8" is a date mark for 1946. See
Christie Romero's
article for MODERN SILVER magazine "Basic Hallmark Identification."
http://www.modernsilver.com/basichallmarks.htm
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
"Ochoa 925M" |
I have a silver face pin that is marked on the back ?. Ochoa 925M. The question mark indicates that I an initial that I couldn't make out. Does anyone know anything about this mark?
submitted by Mary Andrews |
"OKS" |
Anyone know anything about this maker of arts & crafts jewelry?
This is not my piece, but I have a ring with the same mark. Quite
well made...
submitted by Ramona Tung |
"ORB" Otto Robert Bade
 |
"Orb"was founded by Otto
Robert Bade in the 1950s in New Hope,
Pennsylvania. He served as Rebajes' foreman in the 1940s and 50s and
purchased Rebajes' designs and machinery before Rebajes moved to Spain.
(Information is from Collectible Silver Jewelry by Frank
Rezazadeh.) Information regarding Orb can also be found in my book
Modernist Jewelry,
1930-1960, The Wearable Art Movement.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
"O.Rlls Olsen |
"O.R[ U or II
]S -OLSEN"
submitted by Heather
The mark is probably for O. Rlls
Olsen, in business from 1971-1973. (Denmark)
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
organizational seal |
This question deals with a piece of gold jewelry, not silver,
but hopefully you all don't mind. I just got a very well-made and
heavy 18k (tested, unmarked) c. 1880 stickpin with an enamel seal.
It has a Maltese cross, with lions between each part of the cross.
Then in the center is a depiction of a plant, with a rose on the left
stem and a thistle on the right. There are three crowns surrounding
this plant. Then, around this seal, is the motto "Tria juncta in
uno" (Lat. for "three joined in one"?). Below that are the words "Ich
Dien" -Lat. for "With God"? Does anybody know which organization
this piece represents?
submitted by PaulAccording to a
friend of Mystery Marks from Germany, "Ich
Dien" means "To Serve" and not "With God."
information
provided by Mona
Ich Dien is the motto of the Prince of Wales. The Thistle is the national symbol of Scotland. The rose is the national symbol of England. The lions are also symbols of the
British royal family.
I have no idea what organization it might be, but it could represent the creation of Great Britain--England, Wales, and Scotland into a single Entity.
information provided by Jane, Viney Ridge |
"ep, sterling" |
Hi Everyone.I have a Fish pin that has a makers mark....
ep in lower case. Marked sterling as well.........it has a genuine pearl
for its eye. Looks Possibly Contemporary Modernist? Hows that sound
HAHA.
Any thoughts would be great! submitted by Roger |
"O.P. Orlandini
925 1 AR UNO A ERRE"
|
(Example is a handsome sterling modern design ring with blue enameling.
)
submitted by Ellen Solway
I have had trouble finding out anything about this designer except that they
where based in Italy..
information provided by Vanessa Paterson Retro
Gallery. |
"Orloff" |
I have a pair of silver dangling Star earrings stamped jcomes, mexico 925. jc-35 on the post, but the star is marked 925 sterling
ORLOFF. What is Orloff? Can anyone date this? |
"OR NO" (OR on top of
the NO), a Z with what looks like a hat on top of it, and in an oval a 3
next to the profile of a woman's head. |
I
purchased an arts and crafts design silver cigarette case. The marks
inside stump me, I hope one of you can shed some light. They are OR NO
(OR on top of the NO), a Z with what looks like a hat on top of it, and
in an oval a 3 next to the profile of a woman's head.
submitted by Ellen from Santa Cruz
Good day silver forum Hi Ellen as to your cigarette case it was made
in France the orno on top of each other. I do have the information some
where in my papers so I will go thought and try to find it for you.I
have seen this mark on a lot of silver Jewellery.
information provided by Vanessa
Paterson Retro Gallery
I don't know about the rest of the marks,
but without seeing the "profile of a woman's head" you
describe, it sounds like it could be a British duty mark stamp.
In 1952-1953 British sterling pieces made for export were voluntarily
stamped with the coronation mark of Queen Elizabeth. This duty mark is a
woman's head in profile looking to the right and in a small oval. I
believe that the UK also used a woman's head in an oval for a stamped
duty mark on sterling in the late 1800's of Queen Victoria (looking
left). There are other British duty marks for other years, I think there
was a woman in an oval stamp in 1934-35 for Queen Mary.
Your "woman in an oval" could be a British duty mark, which
could at least narrow your search down to a specific country for the
manufacturer/silversmith. Just a thought and hope it helps.
information
provided by Cheron
|
|
(Example is is a heavy belt which looks, perhaps, like early Dutch Silver
(17th-18th C.), mark looks like the number 13 in some kind of very gothic
script, the right mark looks like an open monkey wrench head at the top right
and some kind of round swirl with a dot at center at the bottom left. The
buckle is possibly vermeil with superimposed scrolled fancy details which
are cast but handworked and attached by means of forced down and secured
heavy-duty spikes which are smooth-finished on the back. The background is
darkened silverfinish. The links are made the same way, casts spiked to to
backs, then hinged on each side to the parts which have the double flat chains
soldered onto them. Each of the center hinges has its own Roman numeral
number in sequential order engraved in it. )
Submitted by Isabelle Bryman
The marks appear to be in the format that was used by or in the city Strasbourg
(France?) from the 1650's to the 1750's, according to published reference
books. The '13' designates the purity of the silver, and was used widely
over many of the (mostly German speaking) countries for a long time.
A tricky thing is that 18th century European marks were widely faked and
copied around the late 1800's. The belt is an interesting looking and intriguing
object, and deserves closer hands-on examination by someone who would understand
it better in the context of its construction and design.
information provided by Angela Saunders |
two towers with a capital serif "P"
|
I purchased this this morning at an antique show and was told it's Danish,
dating to 1935. The mark doesn't look right to me -- shouldn't it be three
towers, not two? The friend who was with me says she thinks it might have
been used as a Communion chalice; the stem shows what we think are Adam and
Eve. It's relatively large, measuring about 7 inches from the top of the
finial to the bottom, and about 5 inches across.
|
"P" (with Swedish hallmarks)
|
I might as well kick it off
with a question about a lovely sterling silver brooch in my possession.
I do know that it is a Swedish piece. It has leaves w/a single pinecone,
and has the following hallmarks: the triple crown mark for local
(VS imports) sale, S for sterling, G9 for 1957(?), but I haven't
figured out who would've produced it. There is a letter P at the
beginning of the series. There also may have been another letter
preceding the P, but it is illegible at this point.
Your question about the Swedish maker is difficult to answer without
seeing a photo of the mark. There were at least two designers
working during the period your piece was made using "P" as
part of their mark. There is the mark for K.E. Palmberg who
designed for Alton and used both "KP" and "K.E. Palmberg"
(in script) and Sigurd Persson used "SIGP".
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com
|
 |
Patino, Taxco
submitted by Marbeth Schon |
"AP" (for Antonio Pineda)
|
Can anyone tell me if Antonio ever marked his pieces with
AP?
submitted by Donna
That's a positive yes. Antonio Pineda used the AP hallmark from
approximately 1941 to 1949 when he opened his first workshop in Mexico
City. I have a silver and amethyst necklace and matching earrings set
marked AP which is circa 1940-1945 that is my most treasured silver
jewelry. This set looks remarkably like an early Fred Davis necklace,
which I guess is no surprise since Antonio Pineda apprenticed in
Valentin Vidaurreta's Mexico City workshop which produced much of the
Fred Davis jewelry.
information provided by Cheron
Yes, a simple AP, inside a circle, usually also marked Silver Mexico;
also sometimes seen along with his other older mark, Silver by Tono.
information provided by Bille Hougart
http://www.cicatrix.com/ |
Antonio Pineda


|
Antonio Pineda (1919-2009) was
born in Taxco, where his family had lived for generations. His artistry
will go down in history as one of the very best from Mexico's
metalsmiths. His warm and unforgettable personality and his brilliance
live on through the beautiful pieces he created.
Though his earliest work includes natural
subjects and traditional early Mexican designs, his later work,
beginning in the 1950s is done in a highly modernist tradition with
great ingenuity and quality. His work is some of the most desirable of
all that was done in Taxco during his lifetime.
Information can be found in Mexican Silver by Carole Berk and Penny Morrill,
Silver Masters of Mexico, by Penny Morrill and William Spratling
and the Mexican Silver Renaissance. His work was included in
the traveling exhibit, William Spratling and the Mexican Silver
Renaissance.
You can order Mexican Silver, $59.95
(item #SMB001) or Silver
Masters of Mexico, $49.95 (item #SMB002) from
MODERN SILVER
magazine books Please add $3.95 for shipping for each book.
See
also:
http://www.modernsilver.com/antoniointerview.html
http://www.modernsilver.com/Antoniointaxco.htm |
"B&P" or "B3P" or
"83P," "4" and Greek woman with head covering, and
small cross or dagger
|
My
question is about a mystery mark on a silver bracelet with 16 small
cameo coins (smaller than our dime) depicting I think a Greek
woman with head covering. There is a mark on one coin which could
be B&P, B3P, or possibly 83P - not sure. On one side of
the clasp is the number 4, and on the other side what looks like either
a small cross or a dagger. I am also not sure if it is sterling or
platinum. Any thoughts?
Many thanks.
submitted by Frances
|
"ep"
|
Hi everyone, I am looking for any info on a maker that signed their work
in
Lower Case letters ep. It looks
to be rather moderne. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated,
submitted by Roger
|
conjoined "FP" and a thunderbird mark
(mark for Patania)
|
I recently acquired some pieces that I am researching. I believe
I have
identified the artists, and am looking for a little more information on
them. Two of the pieces I believe are by Frank Patania Sr.
One is a cuff,
and one is a necklace. Both are marked with a conjoined FP, and
with a
thunderbird mark. it seems identical to the marks shown in
Hallmarks of the
Southwest for this artist
submitted by Kristin
One of our SilverForum members, Shari Miller wrote a fabulous
two-part
article on Patania jewelry. The first part is in the current issue of
MODERN
SILVER magazine--next issue will carry the second part. ( Click on
"archives"
on the MODERN SILVER magazine tool bar at the top of this page to find
the articles)
|
Ronald Hayes Pearson


Prip Pearson Mark |
Ronald Hayes Pearson (d. 1977) is known for
his clean modernist designs in silver, bronze and gold. He studied
metalsmithing at the School for American Craftsmen under Philip Morton
in the late 1940s. In the 1950s, along with silversmith Jack Prip and
woodworker Tage Frid, Pearson opened Shop One. Though Pearson never
"joined academia" he taught classes at schools such as Haystack and
Black Mountain College. Pearson supported himself, his entire life, as
a full time craftsman. His work was included in many prestigious
exhibits and won many grants, prizes and awards throughout his lifetime.
Information about Ronald
Pearson and photographs of his work can be found in both of my books:
Modernist Jewelry, 1940 - 1970 and
Wearable Art Movement and Form & Function, American Modernist Jewelry,
1940 - 1970 and his
work was included in the exhibit
"American Modernist Jewelry, 1940 -
1970" at the Fort
Wayne Museum of Art, 2008.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com
|
Miriam Peck
 |
Enamels by Miriam Peck
are not readily available. She is mentioned in my book,
Modernist Jewelry,
1930-1960, The Wearable Art Movement on page 156. She exhibited at the Walker Art
Center in 1955. She attended Western Reserve University and the
Cleveland Institute of Art and created enamel jewelry in mostly abstract
designs on fine silver and copper.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com
|
"Fabrice Pelletier",
French crab mark, lozenge-shaped maker's mark |
Found this interesting bracelet this last
weekend, and I'm wondering if anyone has any info on the designer.
Both pieces of the bracelet, the squared oval at top comes off, are
hallmarked with the French 'crab' mark for 800 silver or above. The band
part of the bracelet is marked as shown in the above picture, and
includes the mark "Fabrice Pelletier", and a lozenge-shaped
maker's mark, which I can't
make out.
submitted by Patrick Kapty |
18 KP |
I have a ring marked 18
KP. Would anyone know what the "P"
stands for? I traded a rather pricy cameo for it and am hoping the P does not stand for Plated. The dealer assured me the ring is gold.
submitted by Frances |
|
The P stands for "plumb" - or exact - which means that the gold is
exactly 18k with no tolerance (not under-karated). This also means that the ring was
made after 1976, when the U.S. National Stamping Act was amended and this
mark was introduced.
information provided by Christie Romero |
|
Frances, the "P" stands for "plumb", which means it's dead
on 18K, not 17,
or 19, but 18 on the nose!
information provided by Vicki |
"Plateria Solis" |
A friend of mine found this pair of earrings today and asked for more
info
on them. I have looked in my Mexican Silver book by Morrill and Berk and
am
finding confusing info. I found nothing on Solis, but the Plateria
sounds
like it is the mexican name for taller. Is this correct? If so, is the
Solis
mean Plateria Solis like Plateria Anita or ?
submitted by Holli |
Pluma Azteca by Los Castillo |
I am wondering about pieces by Los Castillo done in the Pluma Azteca
technique. I have one and am unsure about what material the multi-colored
backing
is made from. I like the effect of the process--a stained glass sort of look.
submitted by Marbeth Schon
"Pluma Azteca" means "Aztec feathers" - and that's what they are, dyed
feathers in resin. For a more detailed explanation, please see my techniques
essay
in William Spratling & the Mexican Silver Renaissance, page 188. Also the
earrings on page 220 in my third edition, in which the dyed feathers are backed
with metal rather than encased in resin.
information provided by
Christie Romero |
"O.P. Plus, Norway"
|
(Example is a modernist pendant by Plus, Norway marked with initials
"O.P.")
submitted by Marbeth Schon
Regarding your question about Norway Design at Plus, I don't think that Ole
Bent Petersen was one of the designers and so far as I know the following
people designed for its silver shop.
Erling Christoffersen
Anna Greta Eker
Ragnar Hansen
Hein Hoogstad
Odvar Pettersen
Tone Vigeland
The Interior Architect Bjorn Lanke was also associated with the shop.
information provided by Fred Rezazadeh
The Mark O.P. is for for Olav Petersheim, Brummunddal for Norway Silver Designs
A/S
information provided by Norwegian friends of
SilverForum |
KE Palmberg
|
|
"Parasina"
 |
(Example is a mark with a name -- Sparasina (I think; maybe it is Sparasinia)
and a number. There seems to be an "O" or a zero after the name and before
the word STERLING. I don't know what that means. The eagle seems to have
a 6 in it. )
submitted by Rosalie Isaacs
The mark may be Parisina, which was used by Marcel Boucher for pieces made
in Mexico, circa 1940s.
information provided by Christie Romero |
James Parker

|
James Parker, 1914-1987, a San Diego
native and educator. He was a professional craftsman who specialized in enamel
work and silversmithing. There is an exhibit of his enamel work on permanent
display at the Wichita, Kansas Contemporary Museum of Crafts, his work was
exhibited widely in the Southwest, I believe he may also have some items
in a museum in Oakland, CA.
submitted by Patrick Kapty |
"MEXICO SILVER PARRA" |
This second bracelet is also very heavy and is 1 1/2" wide. It has 3 HUGE amethyst cabochons that are very rounded. It is signed on the clasp MEXICO SILVER PARRA
I can't find much on this designer- found only a couple pieces on web searches and this blurb:
"Horacio de la Parra was a manager at the Conquistador silver factory and a good friend of Spratling and Aguilar." What was this factory- in
Taxco?
This one is extremely well made and quite heavy- I am assuming it was made pre-1940.
submitted by Lorie Matson
Lorie, I can only give you a little information on Conquistador and Parra. Conquistador was a silver company that was formed in the last
half of the 1940s by a German industrialist, Axel Wenner-Gren. He
purchased a number of silver jewelry and hollowware companies in Mexico
City and formed what was called "the largest" Mexico City silver
company. They were known primarily for their larger silver item
(pitchers, bowls, etc.) production (not jewelry) because they had more
equipment for the efficient manufacture of these larger products than
anyone else. They did have their own designers, but often contracted
with other designers (such as Spratling and Aguilar) to manufacture and
market the other designers' products. (This arrangement lasted less
than three years with Spratling because of Conquistador's inability to
perform according to the terms of their contract.) Sam Moxley was the
General Manager of Conquistador 1949 - 1950, and I believe that Horacio
Parra succeeded him. Parra was a friend of Hector Aguilar's and helped
to bring the Aguilar contract to Conquistador.
However...your bracelet was probably produced prior to Parra's
involvement with
Conquistador. The hallmark he used on your bracelet is different than
later ones and there is no eagle mark on your bracelet. That mark was
used on silver produced or sold beginning in 1949.
information provided by Phyllis Goddard
|
de Passille-Sylvestre
 |
Please see:
Abstractions,
a Sampling of Modern Canadian Jewellers, 1960 - 1980 by Roberta
Peach, MODERN SILVER magazine, Dec. - Jan. 2003-2004. |
 |
Frank Patania, Thunderbird Shop |
"PERSTORP" Swedish three crowns
mark, "X8" |
Here's a stumper for you. I bought three wonderful dark
brown bakelite trays or plates, all three have wonderful inlaid sterling
designs. Two have super detailed designs of ships and one retangular one
has a deer and two dogs chasing it in sterling. These are amazing pieces
and I've never run across anything like it before. All three pieces are
marked with tiny inlaid sterling plaques on the back which read:
PERSTORP (in a retangular cartouche), the three crowns mark in a clover
leaf shaped cartouche, S, and another mark I can't figure out, and X8
for the date (which I don't know the date marks for Sweden).
submitted by Jackie Weeks
I had a similar plate by Perstorp with silver cherries on the top.
The
Perstorp corporation is still in business making thermoset Plastics.
They
describe their plastics as "amino molding compounds composed of
urea
formaldehyde (UF) and melamine formaldehyde (MF)"......
Applications include
dinnerware, bathroom sinks, ashtrays, caps and closures for the
cosmetics
industry, precision medical components, electrical wallplates and
switches,
buttons, and much more."--this is from their web site-www.thermosets.com
Bakelite is a combination of carbolic acid and formaldehyde so
technically, I
guess the plate isn't Bakelite, but very close as it's a thermoset
plastic.
I am not an expert on Bakelite--just reading my book--so someone else
may
understand this better.
The plate has Swedish silver marks and dates from 1948.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com
|
Peruzzi |
Good Evening silver Lovers! I have a Pin marked Peruzzi
Sterling
Boston...with a Weird Mother of pearl Center Piece that sits on top and
spins??? It also has holes in it
submitted by Roger
I'm coming up short finding information on Peruzzi sterling. A friend
and I each have a few pieces, but little knowledge on the maker. Can
someone tell me if F.W. Peruzzi, Peruzzi Florence and Peruzzi Boston
are all the same person? If so, is there a timeline of dates when
pieces were made? Any help would be appreciated.
submitted by Victoria
Your piece is very interesting. I don't understand the Peruzzi, Boston
mark.
There is a piece on ebay right now signed Peruzzi, Florence. Perhaps
they had
companies in different world cities
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com
According to Deanna Farneti Cera in her book "Amazing Gems"
the Perruzi Jewel Shop was a firm founded in Boston by Gino Perruzi in
the early 1930s. In 1945, though it kept it's name, the business was
sold to Aldo Fioravanti who managed it until it went out of business in
1981.
She also mentions a Vincenizo Perruzi in "Jewels of
Fantasy"----so perhaps there were/are two different firms.
information provided by Pat Seal
|
Phyllis 
|
Phyllis W. Jacobs was a
sculptor/jeweler who worked in the 1950s. She showed her work at the
Walker Art Center in Minneapolis in 1948 and was included in Jewelry
Making as an Art Expression by Kenneth Wineberger.
Her work is included in my
book,
Modernist Jewelry
1930-1960, The Wearable Art Movement
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com
|
Earl Pardon
 |
Earl Pardon (1926-1991) was a very
influential and successful artist who was involved with both large-scale
sculpture and jewelry. He joined his love of painting and
metalsmithing through his colorful and exceptionally detailed enamel
work. His work has been included in numerous exhibitions and is in
the permanent collections of over fifteen museums including the Renwick
Gallery in Washington, D.C. and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New
York City.
He is included in my both my books,
Modernist Jewelry, 1940 - 1970 and
Wearable Art Movement and Form & Function, American Modernist Jewelry,
1940 - 1970 and his
work was included in the exhibit
"American Modernist Jewelry, 1940 -
1970" at the Fort
Wayne Museum of Art, 2008.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com
|
Picasso
|
Someone I know has a few pieces that they believe are
signed by Picasso. I
can't find any reference to jewelry designed and signed by Picassso. She
thinks their may also be some inscription on the piece to Cocteau. Does
anyone know?
submitted by Sharon
Picasso, Pablo, is known to have had a number of his pieces manufactured
into gold by Francois and Pierre Hugo, during the period
1961-67.
One such piece "Centaure," was in 18 K gold. An illustration
of it can be found in "The Essential Picasso" by Laura Payne,
Parragon Books, 2000 pg 234
In the same book, page 179, there is a 1941 collage portrait of Dora
Maar, with a crown of gold leaves.
I have seen other pieces of his in gold. Though, I am not aware that he
himself would have made anything in precious metals. More likely he'd
make a master or maquette for a goldsmith to replicate.
information provided by Tony Rivera
|
eagle head, crown,
"925H, A, S7,
P. Piekainen"
|
(Examples are a group of silver rings, bracelets and pins.The marks
on all the pieces are an eagle head, a crown, 925H, then what looks to be
an A, then S7. The paper label reads P. Piekainen on the outside and on the
inside they all say a different name or design name or something. A couple
are Meloonit and Toista mielta and Harlekiini).
submitted by Jackie Weeks
The pieces were made in 1971, and P Piekainen is Pekka Piekainen- silversmith
based in Helsinki from1968 to 1982. I cant find any record of the other names,
so I can only assume they are the individual designers within that firm.
The eagle mark is for the company Auran Kultaseppa oy of Turku this
mark is still used today
information provided by Venessa Frisbee
The mark for Auran Kultaseppa (greatly enlarged) is on page 269 of Warman's
Jewelry 2nd edition.
information provided by Christie Romero
|
Sigi Pineda

|
Sigi Pineda, (b. 1929)
"developed his own style in the early 1950's, approaching a more
international flavor to his work than his contemporaries and
predecessors who were exploring symbolic Mexican themes. Sigi's version
of organic modernism was inspirational in developing and establishing a
new design sensibility in Taxco, Mexican modernism, adding to the
established Mexican art vocabulary." From
Sigi Pineda, Looking to
the Future, by Sheila Pamfiloff and Javier (Javi) Oliveres.
His work is highly collectible
for it's quality and unique, recognizable designs. It is featured
in both Mexican Silver by Carole Berk and
Penny Morrill and Silver
Masters of Mexico by Penny Morrill.
You can order Mexican Silver, $59.95
(item #SMB001) or Silver
Masters of Mexico, $49.95 (item #SMB002) from
MODERN SILVER
magazine books Please add $3.95 for shipping for each book. |
Lillian Pines |
"This hand made sterling silver pin is
marked "Lillian Pines" and "Sterling", made by
Lillian Pines Jewelry and Silver of New York, New York, and circa
1930’s- 1950’s. Lillian H. Rosenblum Pines was born in Manchester,
New Hampshire, graduated from Radcliffe College in 1915, worked for
Buttrick Fashions and in the late 1920’s invented the original
"beach pajamas." Her New York store was in the Westbury Hotel
on Madison Avenue. She died in 1994 at age 100." (quote from an
Ebay auction)
|
"Plafina" |
Recently got these pretty earrings, marked 10K and 925 with the Eagle
Assay mark. Is Plafina merely referring to the metal or is that a
maker's mark?
Thanks
submitted by beegee
|
"Plat. Mex. S.A., 925 sterling, Hecho en [Made in] Mexico." |
The mark reads "Plat. Mex. S.A., 925 sterling, Hecho en [Made in] Mexico." The abbreviation Plat. is probably for
Plateria, which just means silversmithy, or "place where silver is made." The initials
S.A. are the equivalent of "Inc." So this could translate as "Mexican
Silversmithy, Inc."I don't know of any workshop (taller) with this name, but it could very well
exist. The eagle 20 mark indicates, as Patrick said, manufacture between the late 40s and the late 70s. The number 20 may have been assigned to a specific workshop, but I don't know what or where it is/was. Another "mystery
mark" for the list!
|
F, or FNE PLATERO
(or possibly PLATEROFNE ) |
Mark for Fanny Platero, Navajo silversmith |
"JoPoL" Joan Polsdorfer
 |
JoPol is the mark
of Joan Polsdorfer who worked for Georg Jensen, Inc., USA in the 1940s.
According to The Smith Alumnae Quarterly from 1940, Jo Pol lived in
Marin County, California. She was a graduate of the prestigious Smith
College in Massachusetts.
information courtesy of metalsmith, Fred Zweig |
(Polar Bear Mark) |
(discussion was as follows):
From: Pam Biallas --"A friend has a brooch with a Polar Bear Logo. Any help
is deeply appreciated."
From Vanessa, retrogallery--"its a Finnish ring with the Turku city mark
I can not make the other mark out could it be ww?
From Christie Romero--"The mark IS difficult to see clearly, but IF it's
a polar bear on an iceberg, it's for Finnish maker Kultasepat Salovaara.
I have a couple of their pieces, and this piece looks similar in style. The
mark has been used since 1955"
From Ramona Tung--... "I had a brooch that was marked in the same manner
(813H, the Turku city mark, etc). The Polar Bear was not on an iceberg, but
had its front paws raised slightly higher than its rear legs. I asked Patrick
Kapty about it (co-mod of SF), and he had told me that he remembered 2 companies
with Polar Bear logos from Finland, and one difference was the height of
the front paws relative to the back (he didn't mention an iceberg). However,
at the time, he didn't know which company it was, and we left it at that"
From Christie Romero-"-The drawing of the mark I mentioned shows the bear
standing on a block of something with an irregular shape. I interpreted that
as an iceberg! ;-) Now that doesn't mean that the mark will be EXACTLY the
same as it is stamped on the silver. I just looked at a bracelet I have with
a 1974 date letter, Turku assay. The bear's front legs are slightly higher
and he's standing on something irregular and flat.
There is another bear mark, very similar, but not used until 1997. So the
date letter is another important factor."
|
Ambrogio Pozzi |
I recently bought a small silver plate tidbit tray by Italian Designer
Ambrogio Pozzi from Italy. I am so happy
because I like his work a lot. The piece I found is well marked with his
name. However I only know of his work in Pottery. My question is does anyone
know who produced the silver for him?
submitted by Patrick Barry |
"PP" |
I read in one ebay description that the mark "PP" (stylized) is for Carl
Poul Petersen and the description goes on to say that he is Canadian and
a son-in-law of Georg Jensen. Can anyone confirm or deny? The pieces I have
seen w/ this mark are very Jensen-like.
submitted by Nancy Hunt
PP does indeed stand for Carl Poul Petersen and he was Jensen's son-in-law.
His firm was in business for a fairly long time (1940s to 1970s) in Montreal
and did a great deal of work for the Jewish community there, as well as
othernon-sacramental pieces of silver. The designs are well-made, and they
often do look similar to Jensen pieces but have their own unique look.
information provided by Evelyn Yallen
Poul Petersen born 1895 died in 1977. He apprenticed with Jensen when
he was 13yrs old for a period of 5 years, became a Master Silversmith, married
Jensen's daughter "Inger" in 1922. Then they moved to Montreal, Canada in
1929 at the height of the depression and was employed by Birks & Son
as their Master goldsmith in 1932. He then went on his own briefly from 1937
to 1939 only to return to Birks in 1939. Around 1944 he resumed his store
and it remained in operation till 1975. He was the primary silversmith to
the Bronfman's Family...they were the richest family in Canada at that time.
According to Ola Petersen (child) about 65% of the business was conducted
with elite American clients with exclusive specialty orders and if you had
to ask the price well...... He crafted jewelry, flatware, tea sets, serving
pieces, bar sets, etc. Fabulous pieces which are highly collected here in
Canada. His prices are pretty much on par with George Jensen.
information provided by Joanne Brennan
Some of the Petersen pieces are more collectible than others; I would
hesitate to say that they are all equivalent to Jensen in terms of price.
The larger pieces (tazzas, serving bowls) certainly command a fair price
in
the range of $1,500 to $3,000 (and sometimes higher), depending on size and
design. A lot of the smaller pieces, particularly the jewelry, sell for far
less than the equivalent type of piece in Jensen.
I have two Petersen bracelets and they are by no means as substantially made
as the Jensen I have. Generally, they are hollow, though the designs and
workmanship are excellent.
information provided by Evelyn |
Hroar Prydz |
I have
just acquired three identically coloured, shaped and marked enamelled
sterling butterflies in a range of sizes. The medium-sized one has the
Hroar Prydz ' pacman' symbol (sideways 'v' in a circle), while the other
2 have anchor symbols. Comparison to the engine-turned markings confirms
that the butterflies are Hroar Prydz. This would strongly suggest that
the Norwegian anchor sign is related to this silversmith.
information provided
by
Jac Cattaneo |

Pedro Pujol |
Pedro Pujol was a silver/coppersmith
in Greenwich Village in the 1940s-50s. According to Armand Winfield,
Pujol and Rebajes would have daily fights in the street over who copied
whose designs (which was good for business because of the attention it
gathered). It is rarer to find pieces by Pujol than Rebajes since, as
far as I know, he never went into serious production. Some say he was
Rebajes's brother, but I do not have proof of that.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
 |
'm hoping someone has seen this mark before: It is on the back of anArt
Deco sterling marcasite and plique a jour brooch. The design reminds me of
some TF itemsI've seen in books.
submitted by Adrienne |
"50 AR 925" |
I just unearthed (looking through a box I had packed away) a bracelet
with 50AR 925 marking on it. Does it ring a bell with anyone?
It is a solid nicely made geometric style if that helps.
submitted by Mimi in Australia
Though I don't know who made your bracelet, I'm pretty sure it's Italian as you often see the AR mark on Italian jewelry.
In Fred Rezazadeh's book "Collectible Silver Jewelry" he says that "The Italian national silver standard mark adopted in 1934.....(consisted) of a cartouche which contained an identification number followed by the two letter initials
signifying the Italian province where the mark was registered." The photograph on page 148 is of a cartouche with two numbers and "AR."
Maybe someone else can be more specific about the particular mark on your
bracelet.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
"925, 122 AR" |
(Example is a sterling Stingray pendant with green and brown enamel
sections.The mark reads, "925, 122 AR".
pic)
submitted by Lisa Youell |
"AR" set inside a half circle with arrow heads on each end of the
curved line |
Need help in identifying the following silver mark: Capital letters----
AR ----set inside a half circle with arrow heads on each end of the curved
line. Mark is on a silver ring.
submitted by Donald R Custe |
"CMR" arm
with a sword and bird in a square |
Sounds like you're describing the
mark for Charles M. Robbins Co. of Attleboro Mass. If you have Dorothy
Rainwater's American Jewelry Manufacturers (and you should if you need to
i.d. American maker's marks), the marks are on page 201. The shield
frames an
arm with a sword, and there is also a bird in a square, plus the initials
CMR.
|
DTR
Desert Rose Trading Company |
|
"STERLING HPR" |
Hi, I have two items, one clearly marked STERLING HPR and the other is
missing the "H". Here are pics, if anyone can tell me who this is:
submittred by Karen Beuning |
"B R & R" |
My Grandmother has asked me to find out about a pitcher for her. The only
thing I can find on it is B R & R
submitted by Laura L. |
"Rafael "(in script) ".925" |
submitted by Ray Elliott
For information on Rafael go to http://www.globalserve.net/~cbrennan/rafael.jpg
You can print out the pages
.information provided by Joanne Brennan |
Henning Rasmus(s)en |
Anyone knows biographical data about a Danish silversmith named Henning
Rasmus(s)en ?. Mark in script.Would appreciate your input. TRM, New York |
"JR" in a
triangle |
Hi all, I have a mark question. I have a necklace that is marked "Madein Italy, Sterling" and has a "JR" in a triangle. Any ideas???
|
Reed
and Barton |
I
would like help to ID some silver hallmarks.
They are on the back of what would have been a spoon or fork and is now a beautiful ring.
There are 3 stampings as with Brittish hallmarks.
I can not find the first mark which would ID the area that it was made
in. I have looked in my Hallmark book and in hallmark sites today......maybe I am just missing something...
Please take a look!
MARKS:
Eagle or Bird facing center
B or R
Lion facing Center (as with British hallmarkings)
There is also the word STERLING in old lettering.
submitted by Catherine
Although your image is not loading, I can tell you that the marks are those of
Reed and Barton of Taunton, Massachusetts. If the word
"STERLING" appears on an item (espcially a flatware item), it is
almost certain to be American. Many American companies used marks that
resembled English hallmarks.
I hope this helps!information provided by
Paul
|
Max Reig |
Does anyone have information on Max Reig. I went to Silver Forum mystery
marks and didn't really find any information such as who he is, time period of
jewelry, etc. Please inform if anyone knows. Thanks,
submitted by
Donna from Richmond, Virginia |
merry renk
 |
merry renk has played a very important role
in the American studio jewelry movement since the 1950s. In the late
1940s, she studied with Laszlo Maholy-Nagy in Chicago, where she
opened a gallery called "750 Studio." She began working with wire,
forming simple shapes into designs for jewelry.
In 1948, she moved to
California where she worked full time making jewelry. She is
well-known for work in enamels and interlocking forms. In 1974,
renk received a National Endowment of the Arts Craftsmen Award for
her work with plique-a-jour enameling. She had solo
exhibitions at the San Francisco Museum of Art in 1954, The M.H. De
Young Memorial Museum in San Francisco in 1971, The Smithsonian
Institution, National Museum of History and Technology, Washington
D.C. in 1971, and a retrospective at the California Crafts Museum in
Palo Alto in 1981.
More information about merry renk and
photographs of her work can be found in both of my books,
Modernist Jewelry,1930-1960, The Wearable Art Movement and Form & Function,
American Modernist Jewelry, 1940 - 1970 and her work was included in
the exhibit "American Modernist Jewelry, 1940 - 1970" at the Fort Wayne
Museum of Art, 2008.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
the boar's head (French silver mark) and "H" and "RGX" or "RGY" |
(Example is a silver locket with green cabochon stones (probably
chrysoprase). There are tiny hallmarks on the bale which I tried to draw
in the position they are located: I think the animal head is the boar's head
(French silver mark?), and the other two are an H, and either RGX or RGY.
The pendant has an English A&C look to me, but the animal head mark puzzles
me)
submitted by Ramona Tung |
"Ric"

|
(Example is a pair of Mexican sterling silver earrings)
Ric: Ric is Erika Hult de Corral,
her shop is in Puerto Vallarta, opened in 1968 (she sold to other shops before
that). She worked in Taxco before going to Puerto Vallarta (she arrived
in Taxco in 1966). The "3" in the eagle mark indicates these earrings
were made in Taxco. Ric studied with Sigi, and was clearly influenced by
him, but, according to a newspaper article about her, she deplored copying.
information provided by Christie Romero |
"A. Ring, 925S, Denmark"
|
Also I got some earrings at the same time and they have a
mark I've never
seen, A. Ring, 925S, Denmark.
submitted by Jackie Weeks |
Rizzo |
|
"Max R..G"
(Max Reig) |
Here is a leaf pendant, marked sterling and Max R...G.
I couldn't find the mark in any of the usual references.
Anyone know it?
submitted by Karen Beuning
I believe it says "Max Ring". I think I've seen some of his
pieces.
information provided by Ramona Tung
Max Reig or Rieg, I've had some items by this person.
information provided by Lonny Rosen
Max Rieg.
Does anyone know who he is and when he designed jewelry? Thanks.
submitted by Donna
Max Reig was a Master silversmith at
Colonial Williamsburg during the first half of the 20th Century. I
do not have exact dates. He was commissioned and made a pair of
18th century style chandeliers hanging in the St. Bede Catholic Church.
I think this was in the early 40's. I have
seen a pewter spoon marked with his mark. He taught classes in
metalwork in Virginia and had a jewelry store in the Post Office
building in Williamsburg.
information provided by
Fred Zweig
|
"HR"(conjoined in a square) |
(Example is a tiger eye bracelet marked 'sterling' 'hand made' and makers
mark H conjoined with an R in a square. )
submitted by Adrienne Shivers |
"ROACH" (Ruth Roach"

|
Roach
was born in Chisholm, Minnesota in 1913. Like many other modernist
jewelers, she began by studying painting at the Chicago Art Institute,
and with William Henry Watson of Chicago. She also took all the
available art
courses at the State College of Iowa. Originally interested in pottery,
Roach moved on to jewelry in the early 1950s, studying, in 1954, with
Robert von Neumann. She married the owner of a grain elevator company,
and settled
in Plainfield, Iowa. She was the mother of three sons. Roach had her
first one-man show at the Des Moines Art Center in 1954, and, for the
next fourteen years, exhibited widely across the Midwest and New York,
garnering no less than sixteen awards along the way.
Roach is remembered not only for her remarkable creative output -- she
only made one of a kind pieces, and many of them at that -- but for
being a tireless proponent of the arts and crafts in Iowa. She acted as
the President of the Iowa Designer Craftsmen guild, and was in great
demand as a
speaker across the state for her enthusiastic demeanor and quick wit. As
a craftsperson, she felt obligated to help make others aware of crafts
as art: "My aim seems to be to help Iowans and the Midwest to
become aware of these
good things.
information provided by Victoria Tillotson
see
RUTH ROACH,
an uncommon jeweler
|

Michael Roanhorse |
Michael Roanhorse was born and raised
in Crystal, New Mexico's Navajo Reservation on the Chuska Mountains. He
is at the forefront of the Native Arts Scene and has gained significant
recognition among his contemporaries, garnering accolades at the
nation's top venues: including the Santa Fe Indian Market, Heard Museum
Guild Indian Fair and Market, the Smithsonian National Museum for the
American Indian, and the Eiteljorg Museum.
(taken from
http://michaelroanhorse.com/biography/)
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com
|
"ROACH2"
 |
I got a really great sterling ring recently which is
signed Roach 2, on the inside. I know I have seen something recently
about this mark. Could it be Ruth Roach? and is there any reference
anywhere for this designer. I looked in Christie Romero's book under the
page number's listed for this designer but the page numbers don't
coincide with the reference.
Any help here is really appreciated.
Thanks
submitted by Jackie
I recently purchased this somewhat mod bracelet with an opal. It's marked
ROACH2 STERLING. Does anyone know about this designer?
"Roach2" is the mark of Bill and
Patsy Roach. Ruth Roach (see above) was Bill's mother. They began
showing their work in 1961 and participated in national outdoor shows
winning many prizes and purchase awards. Their work is in the permanent
collection of the Mitchell Museum in Illinois and several museums in
Iowa. Bill died at the early age of 57 in 1996 and Patsy is not
making any more pieces. They were a very special team.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com
|
Robbert (Sweden)
 |
|
Deborah Roberts |
|
Charles M. Robbins
|
I have a Sterling Brooch with great Green
Champleve Enamelling...weird makers marks....first is is actually signed
champleve sterling and then three stamps...first is a bell like symbol
with 3 letter inside...cm?...next is a shield with what looks like an arm
holding a Knife?? Last is a bird facing left
submitted by Roger Erickson
The three stamps are the hallmarks for the firm
Charles M. Robbins, which began business in 1892 in Attleboro,
Massachusetts and is known for its sterling and enamel jewelry and
souvenir spoons. The hallmarks are: a partially conjoined "CMR"
in a diamond shaped cartouche, an arm wielding a sword in a V shape
and a bird on a perch in a rounded square. (Although I have not
seen it, another mark for the company is a different version of the
conjoined letters "CMR" in a diamond with "Trade"
above and "Mark" below. Charles M. Robbins later became
Robbins Co. whose mark is the letter "R" in a winged diamond
shape.) Clear pictures of these marks and others may be found at http://www.souvenirspoons.com/silver.html
information provided by
Caroline Crystal
|
Danny Romero

|
"Danny Romero is of both Yaqui and Spanish
heritage. He creates jewelry and paintings from his home in New Mexico.
Growing up in Douglas, Arizona, he has been working with stone and
silver for over 20 years...He was one of five silversmiths invited to
the Night of the First Americans at the Kennedy Center in Washington
D.C., and he has had showings of his jewelry in galleries and museums in
many parts of the country as well as in Germany, Japan, and Canada."
(taken directly from
http://www.americanmastersofstone.com/Biographies/Danny%20Romero.htm
)
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com
|
Robert Rose |
I know this isn't silver but I have question and wondering if anyone
knows
who might of worked for Robert Rose and designed this pair of earrings?
They are clearly marked Robert Rose with a diamond on the back . The
modern
design is very appealing. They are not symmetrical and have a very hand
made
look to them. The small stones are goldstone and tiger eye. The large
stone
might be carnelian or plastic. The metal is copper.
Robert Rose was a designer who came from a jewelry family much like mine.
The Robert Rose company was located in NYC. They sold to the major
catalogs
and department stores. Robert Rose died, apparently of Aids, and his
family
decided not to darry on his company. I think I read in one of the trade
papers that the Robert Rose name has been licensed to another company.
Robert Rose, was a very talented designer who is sadly missed within the
costume jewelry and watch community.
Hi, I used to work for Robert Rose when it was
Coro. The designer was either Robert before he died or Gail Frund or one
of her Asst.
information provided
by Beverly
|
Herman Roth
 |
Herman Roth studied at the Crafts Students
League and the Museum of Modern Art. He was an instructor in art
metal at the 92nd Street "Y" in New York and worked in many metals,
especially sterling silver. He used ivory, ebony and enamels to
accentuate his designs and showed a silver and wood shuttle pin in the
Walker Art Center's Contemporary Jewelry Exhibit on Paper, issue #33,
Design Quarterly, 1955. (taken from my book,
Modernist Jewelry, 1930 - 1960,
The Wearable Art Movement, page 172.)
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com
|
"C. Ruopoli"
|
(Example is a pin marked "By C. Ruopol (or Ruopoli)" with the word sterling
impressed in another spot. The type is almost cursive; reminds me of some
of the Nouveau lettering.The brooch has an Arts and Crafts influence and
actually reminds of me of some of the early Scandinavian work. It is one
and three quarter inches by one and a half inches, with a large oval moonstone
in the centre. pic)
submitted by "Evelyn Yallen"
Today I purchased a lovely pin with a moonstone, signed STERLING BY C.
RUOPOLI BLACK STARR & GORHAM.
Can anyone provide any info on the designer or company? Thanks!!
submitted by Ellen
C. Ruopoli was a designer for Black Starr
and also for Gorham, likely American, and was apparently influenced by Jensen.
information provided by Sharon Harper
Ruopoli was a jewelry designer for Black Starr and Gorham. His jewelry
was
in the style of Georg
Jensen.
Black, Starr & Gorham was on Fifth Avenue, but was around later than
the
Depression. The turn of the century Tiffany competitor, much loved by the
very rich, was Black, Starr, Frost & Gorham.
information provided by Jane
Viney Ridge
|
"V R"
(combined) |
I
recently purchased this well crafted mod pin with carnelian stone. The
mark is a V and R combined, STERLING. Anyone familiar with this
mark?
thanks!
submitted by Ellen |
"PWR" |
I would welcome anyone's help in identifying this repousse .800 silver box.
It is signed PWR and measures 7.5" x 5" x 3.25" tall. It has a northern European look, almost folkloric.
submitted by Katherine |
"T.R. & CO" |
YEARS AGO MY WIFE RECEIVED AN OLD, SILVER BRACELET FROM HER GRANDFATHER.
I
HAVE SEARCHED TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ITS ORIGIN, BUT TO KNOW AVAIL.
THE BRACELET IS SIX DIFFERENT SILVER PIECES MEASURING APPROXIMATELY AN
INCH
SQUARE. EACH PIECE HAS A DIFFERENT, HIGHLY DECORATIVE SCENE WITH THE
NAMES
OF THESE CITIES: CARTAGO, MOMPOS, MANIZALES, CARTACENA MEDELLIN, AND
BOGOTA.
ON THE BACK OF ONE PIECE THERE IS A SHIELD STAMPED WITH "T. R. &
CO. - 0.900
submitted by MIKE
|
|
We have recently acquired an interesting mod sterling pin
with an
mysterious maker¹s mark. It is entirely hand made with a sort of art deco
flair! It is signed handwrought sterling Schimptt as near as we can
decipher. The ³Schimptt ³ mark appears to be double stamped and the last
part is not real clear. Although, if someone out there is familiar with
this maker it should be clear enough to recognize. It is very well
crafted
and has beautiful natural agate stones. It came in a group of
other
Mod/Studio type pieces including a great Henry Steig brooch. Thanks again
to all of the great people who make this group so much fun and highly
informative too.
submitted by Doug & Jessica
|
"Seffield, 1910",
"S", star symbol, "B" |
Seffield, 1910 in nurse buckle, the master mark is S star symbol and B
|
pair of outstretched wings with an
"S" in the center
|
Hi. I have an arts and crafts pin that is beautifully
handwrought.
Signature on the back is a pair of outstretched wings with an S in
the
middle. Then sterling 1094. The pin features three horizontal
sterling bars with three square hand wrought pieces spaced on top of
the bars. One features a spider in a web, one a seahorse, and one
a
great egret. Extremely well made with old "C" type
closure. It is a
very heavy piece weighing over 1 ounce on my postal scale. The
workmanship is superb.
submitted by Michelle
The mark may well be that of George W Shiebler & Co, New York.
You will find the mark and examples in Warman's Jewelry by Christie
Romero. You will also find the mark in The Encyclopedia of American
Silver Manufacturers (Rainwater), her American Jewelry Manufacturers,
and various other reference works on American silver. Sounds like a
nice piece.
information provided by Willie Elliot
|
"A S" overlaid with an "H" (Danish) |
The top of spoon depicts a a scene from Han Christian Andersen's book, "The
Flying Trunk". The rest of the spoon is unadorned. 6" long - Bowel is
slightly bigger that your typical teaspoon. Two marks on the back:
* 3 Towers with a 53 underneath it (my research says that 3 towers means silver
vs s-plate)
* A "S" overlayed with an "H" or vice versa (guessing that
is the makers
mark) |
"S" (within a circle) "wertvolle,
handarbeit" |
I've got 3 bracelets and 2 pendants that have cubist designs of matte enamel ...
they are signed w/ an s w/in a circle under the glossy enamelled on the back . 1
pendant also has a paper sticker which reads : fueremaille , under that is the s
w/in a circle and a "flame" in a square , under that it reads
wertvolle handarbeit ... can anyone tell me who the company / maker is ?
thanks
submitted by Heather
The "S" in a circle is for Sholtz & Lammel.
For more information on German enamels please see
http://www.modernsilver.com/septemberupdate/FrenchvsGermanenamels.htm |
crown, "S", and shield |
I have some kind of Sterling Silver oblong platter with markings of: a crown,
"S", and sheild.
Can anyone identify this for me?
submitted by
Dennis
According to the "Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers," 5th Edition by
Rainwater & Fuller the mark you describe is that of the "Sheridan Silver, Co.,
Inc." of Taunton, Mass. "Begun in 1944 as the C & C Silver
Company...Incorporated in 1946 as Sheridan Silver, The largest independent
silver manufacturers..." Hope this helps.
information provided by
D.Burgess |
"HAS"
(Finnish mark) |
1). Could anyone identify a Finnish maker's mark of HAS.
2). Could anyone recommend a good reference book or online list of
Finnish hallmarks and maker's marks?
submitted by Greg
"HAS" (Finnish mark)
The Finnish maker mark "HAS" was registered for:
Salonius & K:nit, Helsinki 1934-1952
Oy Kultajalostamo Ab, Helsinki 1942-1954
Salonius, Holger Albert, Helsinki 1954-1971
Information provided by Anne Palkonen, designed-in-finland.com
I am also a "Finn fan." You can find a number of Finnish makers' marks
in the
Scandinavian appendix of the third edition of Warman's Jewelry. There are
also quite a few photos of Finnish jewelry in the Scandinavian/Finland section,
including the marks as struck on them. Ginger Moro's book, European Designer
Jewelry, has a list of Finnish date letters in the chapter on Finland, as does
Tardy's International Hallmarks on Silver.
There is a book of Finnish makers' marks published by a regulatory branch of
the Finnish government (in Finnish), but it's not easy to come by, unless you
know someone in Finland. As far as I know, there is no online list.
information provided by Christie Romero
|
"SZIGETI" |
An oval box, 2 x 1 3/4 inches (5 x 4.5cms), weight 46.4g, stand away hinge,
floriated thumb piece, gilded interior with an oval striped 'honey' agate set
into the base. The lid is set with a carved shell cameo with a classical scene,
probably that of Hippolytus (a winged male jumping over a
shield being drawn by three horses). The only mark on the base flange, within a
rounded end, slightly bulging,
rectangular punch with a double border is "SZIGETI". |
Tankard (or pitcher)
mark on bronze sculpture
.JPG) .JPG) |
I'm attaching photos of the two pieces I have,
both about 3", and one of
the mark of a pitcher or jug. I thought they were ceramic but have been
told they're bronze.
submitted by Tina Haase
|
"Taxco, Mexico, 925" (in a
circle)
with "DS" in the center |
Can anyone tell me whether the following hallmark identifies the maker?
In a circle = Taxco, Mexico, 925
In center of circle = DS
submitted by Vera
Even though your photo didn't make it through, the initials DS in the
circle of words are the initials of the silversmith. Sorry I do not know
who "DS" is, however, I have seen his/her initials on many Damaso
Gallegos designs, who is most well known for his flower design jewelry
in sterling, such as orchids and lilies, and little bell designs (very
beautiful pieces). Because the work and the style of "DS" ~ as well as
the quality of craftsmanship, is similar to Damaso Gallegos, it is
likely that "DS" was a student of Damaso Gallegos and worked in his
shop. "DS" is one of those old Taxco mystery silversmiths that I too
would like to know more about!
information provided by Cheron
|
"G with an "S"
in the center, "TOSTRUP, NORWAY" |
I just acquired a lovely necklace by J.
Tostrup, Norway with a maker's mark that I believe I have seen before, but can't place and was hoping someone else would recognize. It looks like a "G" with an "S" in the center.
submitted by Marbeth Schon
The mark is for Gine Sommerfeldt who was born June 30, 1939. She apprenticed
at Tostrup and graduated from the National College of Arts, Crafts and Design
in 1959. She worked for ONEIDA Ltd., New York and has had her own workshop
from 1964. Her jewelry is found in several museums, and has also been purchased by HM The Queen Sonja of Norway.
information provided by Lennart & Svein
(effie-graa.com)
|
Pedro S"
|
(Example is a Taxco mark. It is on a piece with no eagle (pre 1948?),
so I have no other thing to show you but the name: Pedro S., written in a
semi-printing/semi cursive manner.)
submitted by Rosalie Isaacs |
sajen |
(Example is a pair of contemporary sterling earrings set with what look
like moonstone, but could be just cloudy glass. They are signed sajen -in
lower case.)
submitted by BeeGee McBride
Sajen is a big designer of contemporary silver jewelry made for them in Bali,
Indonesia. They show at all the
Gem & Jewelry Shows around the country. They do a lot of moonstones
(genuine), amethyst, garnet - all the stones you commonly see in the contemporary
silver from Bali .jewelry. Price range: $15-60 or so, wholesale. (That includes
necklaces etc)
information provided by Marilyn
|
"Salamone" |
(Example was a sterling silver bracelet with dragon
motif)
submitted by Pat Seal |
Salvador Teran

|
Salvador Vaca Teran was an outstanding
silver designer and technician. He began in the 1930s working as a
zorrita at Las Delicias with William Spratling. In 1939, he
joined Los Castillo where his jewelry was sold under that Los Castillo
mark for many years. In 1952, he established his own workshop with
twenty-five silversmiths in Mexico City. His work is unique in its
use of overlapping planes. He is also known for combining metal with
stone mosaics that were made into trays, pitchers, etc.
His work is highly collectible and quite rare.
Information can be found in Mexican Silver by Carole Berk and Penny Morrill,
Silver Masters of Mexico, by Penny Morrill and William Spratling
and the Mexican Silver Renaissance. Her work was included in
the traveling exhibit, William Spratling and the Mexican Silver
Renaissance.
You can order Mexican Silver, $59.95
(item #SMB001) or Silver
Masters of Mexico, $49.95 (item #SMB002) from
MODERN SILVER
magazine books Please add $3.95 for shipping for each book.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
"Salvador, Marbel, S.A." |
Does anyone know anything about costume jewelry designed by Salvador
Teran
bearing the Salvador mark as well as "Marbel, S.A."? I am
curious about
history and values of some ceramic and pot metal pieces.
I too recently purchased a Salvador/Marbel piece. I liked the
design even tho it was not sterling (but a pot metal). I would be
interested to know more about how "Marbel" came to be, who
established it and when. I am pretty sure my piece (and Marbel) is
fairly new, perhaps even a reproduction of Salvador, given his design
style, thats OK w/ me. But again, any info on Marbel would be
appreciated. I'm sure you have seen the well made Salvador knock offs -
tho marked by some other maker; which makes me wonder if his molds are
now "out there" like the Margot molds.
information provided by Sam
Marbel was an inexpensive mass produced department store line, with
items designed by Salvador, made of cast pot metal. All the pieces I've
seen were gold plated and usually with faux stone faces, and not of very
high quality. I believe them to be from the 60's, although I don't know
the span of years of their manufacture.
My experience is that these pieces do not have a strong following and
the prices are dramatically different than his sterling, brass and
copper works.
information provided by Sheila Pamfiloff
|
"H. SANTANA" |
I have a very heavy Mexican silver bracelet similar in style to those of Antonio Pineda. It has six silver panels connected by rods and on each panel is a carved onyx face similar to Fred Davis work. It is a very well done bracelet with marks "H. SANTANA" "Silver Mexico and Sterling (upside down). Does anyone know of "H. SANTANA". Did he possibly work with Antonio or F. Davis?
submitted by Neil
Neil. Can't tell you much except I've seen a number of pieces by
H.Santana, usually marked: Sterling Mexico H. Santana, forming a
triangle, also marked "silver." The work is always quite good.
There is no "eagle mark" for H. Santana, meaning that the work
is probably from the late 1930's to mid
1940's.
information provided by Bille Hougart
http://www.cicatrix.com/ |
 |
Unknown mid 20th century Mexican silversmith
who signed "JS" in script |
"GLS" (in a shield)
|
(example is a pair of Moderne sterling earrings (screwbacks). The marks
are "Handwrought, sterling, and then inside an impressed shield shape is,
I believe, cls, in small letters, or it's a Gls.)
submitted by Jackie Weeks
Since I've been told that the GLS inside a shield is George Salo, I have
been able to find him in a couple of my books, however one book refers to
him as George K. Salo, so what does the L stand for in GLS? Is it the same
George
Salo?
submitted by Donna
Your earrings appear to be by George Salo. His mark is 'GLS" within a shield.
I don't know too much about him except that he exhibited at the Third National
Exhibition of Contemporary Jewelry at the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis,
1955. He was a member of the American modernist movement of that period and
was from Sutton, New Hampshire. I also have some information from the Walker
with photos of his work. His work is pictured in "Warman's Jewelry, 2nd Ed."
by Christie Romero and also in "Silver Jewelry Designs" by Nancy Schiffer
and my book, Modernist Jewelry, 1930-1960,
The Wearable Art Movement." (please read on)
Caveat: This is an example of following the lead of someone else
instead of doing new research. The mark GLS (in a sheild) is attributed to
George Salo in Silver Jewelry Designs by Nancy Schiffer. When I first
started collecting modernist jewelry, I had at least two pieces with the GLS
mark that I also attributed to George Salo after seeing the piece in
Silver Jewelry Designs. When I wrote my book, Modernist
Jewelry, 1930-1960, The Wearable Art Movement, I photographed a piece by
George Salo that was marked "SALO." I thought, perhaps George Salo
marked in two different ways--there is not much information to be found
regarding George Salo so I had nothing to help me prove otherwise.
Recently, Ramona Tung wrote to let me know that she had discovered that the
GLS mark is not that of George Salo, but that of Charles Leslie Smith.
At this time, I assume that "SALO" is the correct mark for George Salo and
not GLS (in a sheild shape). Please read Ramona's email below.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com
I thought you might want to know that the hallmark of "GS in a shield" is
not the hallmark of George K Salo. It is actually the hallmark of C Leslie
Smith, an Allentown, PA jeweler, who is still making jewelry today, and much
of it is modernist in design. Locals tell me that he's been making jewelry
since at least the 1970s (they think). He also sells other items like
windchimes, wood carvings, etc. The store is like an upscale gift shop.
I couldn't find the photo in the Warman's books, but in Marbeth's book, the
mark on pg 263 (for pendant on page 172) is that of C Leslie Smith.It is a
CLS in a shield, not a GS. I was tipped off by a thread I saw in the SMPUB
forums a few years ago:
http://www.smpub.com/ubb/Forum17/HTML/000104.html
And since I happened to be in Allentown last week, I paid a visit t o the
shop, and sure enough, it is the mark they use on their jewelry. The
larger pieces of jewelry (bracelets, large rings, maybe the pendants) are
marked STERLING HANDWROUGHT and CLS in a shield. This would explain why the
jewelry appears regularly in the marketplace.
information provided Ramona Tung |
"M & J Savitt, sterling, 14k" |
(Example was a Sterling and 14K pendant in the shape of a bird. The whole
thing is sterling and the birds top feather is done in 14k and so is the
accent on the frame of the pendant. It's signed by M & J Savitt, sterling,
14k). submitted by Jackie Weeks
THey used to have a shop in the Bloomingdales mall in Chicago.Very current
- large, expensive silver.M&J [Michelle and Janis] Savitt(sisters) started
in the 70s designing costume jewelry. They now produce sterling and some
gold, platinum and precious stones-in Dept Stores--they are mentioned in
Vogue in 1972 and 1977--
information provided by Pat Seal
I recognized their name from my retailing days in the '80s, I see a mention
of them in :Accessories Magazine for 1994: In addition, many bridge sterling
designers like M+J Savitt, Robin Rotenier, and Erica Courtney are combining
diamonds with lesser-priced precious gems and metals.
---and from Jeweler's Circular Keystone, their current Javit's Show info:M
& J Savitt (Company number : 2947)10 West 46th Street New York NY 10036
Tel : 212-869-5228, 800-3-SAVITT Fax : 212-869-7152 Booth number :
36045
Products :
- Cubic Zirconia Jewelry
- Designer Jewelry
- Diamond Jewelry
- Sterling Silver Jewelry
Also, there are a few retail jewelry shops listing them as one of the lines
they carry.So, they are evidently still in business.
information provided by Marilyn in central
MA |
"Schimpff"

|
We have recently acquired an interesting mod sterling pin
with an
mysterious maker¹s mark. It is entirely hand made with a sort of art deco
flair! It is signed handwrought sterling Schimptt as near as we can
decipher. The ³Schimptt ³ mark appears to be double stamped and the last
part is not real clear. Although, if someone out there is familiar with
this maker it should be clear enough to recognize. It is very well
crafted
and has beautiful natural agate stones. It came in a group of
other
Mod/Studio type pieces including a great Henry Steig brooch. Thanks again
to all of the great people who make this group so much fun and highly
informative too.
submitted by Doug & Jessica @ thejewelcollection.com
You pin is by Mary Schimpff, see Mary
Schimpff-Webb, A Career Devoted to Excellence, MODERN SILVER
magazine
information provided by
Marbeth Schon |
"L Schmallie" ("L" is in script and the "Schmallie" is in block
letters") |
(Example is a sterling silver bracelet and ring set marked "L
Schmallie"The "L" is script writing, and "Schmallie" is printed.)
submitted by Leslie I wanted to reply
to this..L. Schmallie is a Navajo Silversmith. Leonard Schmallie. he
recently passed away on 11-19-06. He is a relative of mine and he marks
all his jewelery in that way.
information provided
by Kristina Kelly |
Christian Schmidt

mark on hand-wrought items

mark on cast items |
Christian Schmidt was a Minnesota
studio jeweler who exhibited at the Walker Art Center in
Minneapolis
in 1955. He did magnificent designs based on intricate plant and pod
forms. He was a friend and colleague of Ruth Roach.
He exhibited at the 1956
"American Jewelry and Related Objects" competition in Rochester, New
York where he won "Best in Class Awards" for a silver and gold
pendant and a gold and ebony bracelet as well as a purchase prize for a
silver bracelet. He also won awards at the 1959 Midwest
Designer-Craftsmen competition and the 1958 and 1959 Minnesota State
Fair
Fine Arts Competitions.
He was considered to be one of the
foremost designer-craftsmen in the United States during his short career
and was one of twelve jewelers whose work was accepted for exhibition at
the Brussels World's Fair.
His work
is featured in both of my books,
Modernist Jewelry,
1930-1960, The Wearable Art Movement and Form & Function, American
Modernist Jewelry, 1940 - 1970 and was included in the exhibit
"American Modernist Jewelry, 1940 - 1970" at the Fort Wayne Museum
of Art, 2008.
information provided by
Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
Carl Schon (Schoen)
|
Not being a "silver" person I am at a loss to any knowledge of the following
artist. Can anyone shed any light on the designer for me? Carl Schoem, German
artist, about the 1940's. I understand he made rings. If anyone has any examples
of his work, I would love to see them.
submitted by Elaine Kula
I'm not sure if you mean Carl Schoen. If so, he was a silversmith from Baltimore
(probably originally German, but I don't know). I had a handhammered ring
by him at one time. His mark is very distinctive being a vertical conjoined
and elongated "C S". For those of you who have the book, there is a photo
of a ring in "Silver Jewelry Designs" pg. 130 by Nancy Schiffer.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
"SCOTLAND", castle mark, elk head
(or wreath), "U" (in script), "T" (with a fat
period) |
I have Scotland printed on this piece ...the castle
that was discussed
before, an elkhead or maybe it is a wreath, a clear U(in script) and a
fat T with a fat period, which is placed separately.Obviously, I lack a good silver book on this Saturday evening.
submitted by Sande
|
Scottish jewelry with a "925"
mark only( |
There is a company called Shipstones which have a group of
shops along the Cornish cost in England that still make this Scottish type
silver Jewellery the difference in the old Victorian SCOTTISH JEWELLERY and
the more recent designs of to day are quite clear, also they are reproducing
some of the designs but the stones are very flat the silver is thin and they
tend to be agate and malachite mixed. If in doubt go with out! The 925
indicates a more recent piece. if you see 925 this tends to make me believe
that it is a Taiwan copy, as a lot of Taiwan copies are just marked 925.This
applies to quite a lot of repro.
submitted by Vanessa Paterson.
|
Thor Selzer
 |
Thor Selzer (b.
1925) is an important Danish modernist who made his name in the
1960s. His well designed work in silver and gold is widely
collected.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
Pearl Shecter 
|
Pearl Shecter received her M.F.A. at Columbia University. She
studied abstract painting at the Hans Hoffman School of Fine Arts, New
York and also attended the Chicago Bauhaus School of Moholy-Nagy.
Her interest in jewelry was furthered by studies in enameling and
metalsmithing with Adda Husted-Andersen in New York City. Shecter
maintained a studio in New York for many years while also teaching at
New York University and directing the art department at the Little Red
Schoolhouse High School. Shecter's jewelry was mainly abstract and
constructed, not cast. She mostly worked with silver and sometimes
wire which she wrapped around rough-cut stones or used to create fluid,
linear definition around or within her compositions. She made hair combs
and ankle bracelets as well as more common jewelry forms. (taken from my
book, "Form & Function, American Modernist Jewelry, 1940 - 1970")
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |

Ora Shifriss, Israel |
1950s? Israeli enamelist. I would love to know
more!
Submitted by Marbeth Schon |
 |
This mark puzzles me:
I see a similar mark in Bille Hougart's book ( page 22) but WHO is the
maker
of this piece? Note the 4 toward the bottom of the shield ? ? ? I'd
sure
appreciate some help. MEXICO is also hand engraved below the hallmark.
( no
eagle ) style is melon shape pot. Very Heavy and Fine Silver Workmanship.
submitted by Sue
|
|
Today I picked up a fabulous necklace very similar to Antonio Pineda's
work.It's signed Fidencio Serrano or Serranoe. Is anyone familiar with
this
designer? It
is marked with
the TS-09 mark, but with the maker and 950 or 960. No eagle mark, so
probably
a transitional piece.
submitted by Sharon
|
"Sterling, Secrest" |
just picked up a pin, very Danish modern looking, with a gorgeous Persian turquoise cab. It is marked simply "Sterling,
Secrest".
submitted by
Nora |
Shooting Star mark |
Looking for info on 14K gold ring made in the 30's with a shooting star mark in
the inside of the band. I purchased the ring recently in an antique store
in San Antonio.
Does anyone know who the maker would be?
submited by Sherry Korzekwa |
Vincent Simon
 |
Vincent Simon was or is a jeweler who worked in New
York in the 1970s. He made excellent copies of Victorian cufflinks and
probably other types of jewelry.
information provided by
Martha Trachtenberg
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LuckySixVintage |

H. Fred Skaggs |
H. Fred Skaggs is the epitome of the
'accidental Modernist'. In 1956, Skaggs moved to Scottsdale, Arizona and
opened a shop in the Lloyd Kiva Craft Center. He thought he was simply
making his jewelry but he inspired an entire generation of celebrated
and highly collectible silver artists. Christie Romero's 3rd edition of
'Warman's Jewelry' hails Skaggs as a 'Mid Century Modern Master' and
touts Skaggs' influence on Charles Loloma, THE famed Native American
silversmith. Loloma credits Fred 'for inspiring him and teaching him to
make jewelry'. Skaggs died in 1982 and his widow kept his shop open
until just recently when the area became too touristy to do proper honor
to the past. Taken from
http://www.silverhuntress.com |
"Smed, sterling" |
I picked up a piece of silver today, heavy, well-made, depicting a fox
in a
grape arbour. The mark on the back is sterling and what appears to be
Smed.
I have seen a piece by Peer Smed, but it has the full names in a script
similar to that used by Evald Nielsen. Can anyone confirm for me whether
there were alternate signatures for Peer Smed or if, in fact, this is by
a
completely different maker?
submitted by Evelyn Yallen |
Art Smith 
|
Art Smith (1917-1982) was a New
York silversmith who's African American heritage influenced his
sculptural jewelry forms. More than any other modernist jeweler
of his day, Art Smith was concerned with ornamenting the human form.
His primitive-inspired, biomorphic constructions can only be truly
understood in relation to the body. "A piece of jewelry, he said,
"is a whatisit? until you relate it to the body...Like line, form
and color, the body is a material to work with. It is one of the
basic inspirations in creating form... Art Smith's work is
featured at the Brooklyn Museum in a permanent exhibit and is in the
collections of many major museums and collections.
His work
is featured in both of my books,
Modernist Jewelry,
1930-1960, The Wearable Art Movement and Form & Function, American
Modernist Jewelry, 1940 - 1970 and was included in the exhibit
"American Modernist Jewelry, 1940 - 1970" at the Fort Wayne Museum
of Art, 2008. See also:
http://www.modernsilver.com/villagetovogue/villagetovogue.htm
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com
|
 |
"Noble Smith"

|
Today I looked in a case at a shop and saw what I anticipated to be an
Ed Weiner bracelet. Great design and quality. I was surprised to find it
was
instead marked STERLING NOBLE SMITH. I am wondering if any of you have
come
across this name in silver and if you have any info on this designer.
submitted by Ellen S
Noble Smith was the pen
name of Shirley Smith, an extremely talented silversmith who graduated
from high school in 1946 and then attended the Boston Museum School in
the early 1950s. The design quality of her work is equal to that
of some of the more well known and well respected artist/jewelers of the
mid 20th century.
Information provided
by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com
|
SMKKESMEDEN" 
|
(Example is a chunky sterling necklace with a huge piece of amethyst
in the pendant. It's signed SMYKKESMEDEN, and Danmark)
submitted by Jackie Weeks
The name of the company/maker "Smykkesmeden" means "the jeweler". Smykker
= jewelry (pl) Smeden = the smith.
information provided by Anette Floystrup
This piece I am fairly sure is NOT sterling, but probably plate, though I
am sure the amethyst is natural. Reminds me a lot of the Jacob Hull stuff
for B & D (forget what that stands for :) which was also plate. There
is a reason that these makers didn't use silver at that time besides the
obvious cost issue. There was a movement away from the use of all 'precious'
metals in certain artistic/design circles in the 60s and 70s. It's at the
same time that you see so much jewelry made from lucite, pewter, brass, bronze,
and other low intrinsic value materials. They were reiterating the Arts and
Crafts movement ideal of creating jewelry with good design value that was
affordable to everyone.
information provided by
Patrick Kapty
http://stores.ebay.com/California-Dreamin-Retro-Modern-ETC |
Clement Berg
"925" and crossed hammers over an eagle
 |
I just acquired a beautiful old "solje" brooch with green enamel on silver
and lovely delicate wire work. It is marked "925" and a mark which I've not
been able to find anywhere which looks like crossed hammers over an eagle.
I think it's Norwegian, but doesn't have the "S" after the "925" mark.
submitted by Marbeth Schon
Yours would be called a bysølje and it could be Danish. It will be
a bit hard to tell age till you track down the maker.
information provided by Pat Talbot
You'll never believe that I also recently bought a similiar pin, and don't
know it's origin.My pin has a "C" clasp, and definitely is old. Not a tourist
piece. I have been searching for its origin as well.
information provided by Joan Gruzen
As a native born Dane who spends one or two months a year in Denmark now,
I can assure you that I have nowhere ever seen anything like the pieces which
we have been shown. They are sweet, but they are absolutely not Danish.
Danes have, by the way, never used filigree work as folk-costume jewelry.
Indeed, I am quite unaware of any specific jewelry being a part of any Danish
regional folk-costume (there are many), the Danes seem to have expressed
their regional differences in various lace making techniques and colored
and patterned woven cloth. The Museum in my home town of Kolding
(www.koldinghus.dk "click" on the British flag for English) has a superb
collection of laces as well as their ever growing and spectacular collection
of Danish silver (emphsis on 20 century makers).
information provided by Annette
Must agree with Annette: This piece is probably not regular Scandinavian
sølje as we know it (a Swede speaking here; with own "sølje"
for her area of birth folk costume). In my most humble opinion, this piece
appears more Irish or Scottish to me but I could be wrong, of course. It
appears "too busy" to be German, in a general design sense, methinks. The
green enameling on the stylized "cross" speaks of either Tudor cross influences
or an Irish style cross. The green color also supports these guesses. Moorish
influence (Ireland) is seen in the scroll work, appendici.
The mark, hammers over an eagle, is unknown to me. It could represent a city
(town) called Eaglehammer, f.ex. It looks more like a city/county mark hallmark
than a maker's mark. It is possible that this hallmark appears in some reference
work or another. I checked the British hallmarks but didn't spot this one.
This piece reminds me of newer styles of imitation folk jewelry seen in local
crafts shops in various countries in Europe, not exactly a classic design
but reminiscent or inspired by various folk jewelry designs over the years
and executed by local craftsmen, and usually destined for the tourist industry.
Again, I have no factual proof of any of the above but am willing to wager
that it is not Scandinavian, thus not socalled sølje.
Re "goldwash" sølje: Much Swedish folk costume jewelry
"folkdräktssmycken" in Swedish) has no goldwash at all, it's plain silver.
information provided by Liz Bryman
If you have "Warman's Jewelry, 2nd ed. by our own Christie Romero, 2nd ed.,
pg. 252, shows some pieces by Marius Hammer. The brooch (not pictured in
color) is in kelly green enamel, so at least there's an example of the Norwegians
using that bright green enamel which is the color of both Joan's and my pieces.
I realize that my brooch is more in a folk jewelry style than the Art Nouveau
style of the Marius Hammer pieces, but it's a possibility that other jewelers
were making similar pieces but working in a less formal style. Just a guess.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com
I've seen quite a few Marius Hammer pieces (a friend collects it). The pieces
were mostly blue and green, with lots of "dangles" and "coiled" wire pieces.
I have a piece whose enamel color is powder blue. The color of your pieces
did not seem wrong (to my untrained eye).
information provided by Ramona Tung
I have also seen a number of Marius Hammer pieces belonging to one collector.
and I concur with her that there is a striking similarity in the work. The
two pieces in my book are mine, but I own them because I was introduced to
Hammer's work by our collector friend!
However, there remains the mystery of the mark, which is not Hammer's. So
Marbeth may be correct in thinking that there were others working concurrently
in a similar style, in Norway, or elsewhere. Regarding the mark, it appears
to be the same "mystery mark" as the one on a piece I have, which is in a
very different style - a hammered silver flowerhead brooch with a small amazonite
cab in the center - quite Arts & Crafts looking. So I do hope we find
out whose mark this is!
information provided by Christie Romero
As for the brooch I know the D. Andersen made this type of enamel "solje"
brooch as well as M. Hammer. I am at presant in contact with the essay office
in Norway so hopefully sometime next week i may be able to shed some light
on this mark
information provided by Vnessa Paterson
This is the mark for Clement Berg of Norway
who worked in Oslo in the first part of the 20th century.
information provided by Jay
and by Eli Ulriksen |
925S and tankard mark |
Anyone have any ideas about the marks on this bracelet? This bracelet reminds
me a lot of the work of the dane Karl Gustav Hansen in the deco/Functionalism
style of the 30s. My picture is not the best, but this is a graceful
hollow-band cuff with hollow spheres at either side of the upwards-facing
opening. The picture of the marks is pretty clear. There's an additional mark
to the left of the '925S' mark that has me completely stumped! (Kinda looks
like one of the characters of the German alphabet, but I don't remember my
one summer semester of that language very well.)
It's been proposed to me by a friend that jewelry items with the '925S' mark
but without a country designation must be from Denmark as the other
Scandinavian countries ie Norway, Sweden, Finland all have very strict laws
regarding the inclusion of the country among the marks. This rings somewhat
true as I've seen examples of Danish work without the mark "Denmark".
However, I'm sure I've seen pieces from Finland that didn't have any marks at
all ie matching pieces to marked items. Lastly, I've seen pieces from
Iceland, and they use the '925S' mark also, but some of them didn't have the
country mark. Makes sense as I seem to remember that that country used to be
a colony of Denmark.
submitted by Patrick Kapty
I don't know the mark on the right but i've had several pieces with that little "tankard" style mark that were also marked NORWAY.
information provided by Susan
This little tankard mark thingy.....it appears on all Tostrup silver including stuff made by Greta Prtyz Kitellsen too.....I note that
Norweigan silver is rarely date marked , but that they used to use
weird zodiac signs as date marks during the 19th century...a variant
on a date mark... ? or is the little tankard thingy the equivilant
maybe of a city mark for Oslo or something....or something to do with
Tostrup..... ? odd how it doesn't appear on all Norweigan
things...not on Anna Greta Ecker's...or Tone Vigeland.......
information provided by Vanessa Frisbee
|
"Solis" |
A friend of mine found this pair of earrings today and asked for more info
on them. I have looked in my Mexican Silver book by Morrill and Berk and am
finding confusing info. I found nothing on Solis, but the Plateria sounds
like it is the mexican name for taller. Is this correct? If so, is the Solis
mean Plateria Solis like Plateria Anita or ?
submitted by
Holli
|
"Spencer Co." stylized
"S", STERLING" |
I have two charms (one is still on its card --with a
really faded,
but still-visible, price of $7.50) from the Spencer Co. -- written
that way, as an abbreviation.
The mark (I will take and submit a pic later) is a stylized
"S"
that is kind of reminiscent of two intersecting boomerangs --
if you can get that image in your minds' eyes. Both charms
are similar, in that they employ raised, sculpted, "pictures"
and colored stones. Under the "S" is stamped STERLING
in block capital letters.
submitted by Rosalie
There is an E. L. Spencer Company of Providence RI listed in
Rainwater's
American Jewelry Manufacturers. It's a pretty lengthy listing (p. 224
for
those of you who have this invaluable book). It says the company made
charms,
among other things, but the mark you describe is not shown here. The
lastfor this company was 1922.
information provided by Christie Romero
This charm could have been part of a promotion where they took higher
priced items and mixed them with lower priced items and then averaged
them off. Spencer which was located in the
Providence/ Cranston RI area closed in the late 70's or early 80's. They
were not affilated with Spencer Gifts but they did supply them with
product.
That charm looks to me like a it is made with a stamped background,
probably
vermeil. The 3-d part is casted and is sterling. Stones are most likely
Austrian Crystal.
information provided by Paul DeFruscio
|
SPRATLING (fake brooch with computer generated mark)

|
I
must admit, I've been had! I didn't do my homework, didn't check Phyllis
Goddard's Spratling Silver site for fake Spratling hallmarks and
purchased a Spratling piece with computer generated marks.
The piece is so charming. It's the parrot with amethyst on page 44 of
the original Mexican Silver book by Berk and Morrill. I guess I thought
no one would take the time to make a forgery of that piece--seems too
complicated,
but if you look at art history, it was heady stuff to fake a
masterpiece.
I hope no one else will be fooled as I was. When I looked
carefully at the picture in the book and my other pieces of Spratling
from the 1940s, I noticed that the pieces were rounder, heavier, and the
incised lines were much deeper and cruder than on my piece.
The giveaway should have been the marks on the piece which are very
clear and clean and have a pebbly background. Also the '"WS"
in the circle is slightly
different from the one that should be there. "The style of the
particular conjoined WS on the item was never used inside the "Spratling
made in Mexico" circle. That WS is adapted from a photograph of an
early and rare mark in
Penny Morrill's book. The "Spratling Silver" mark cannot be
authentic. Each letter in the authentic Spratling Silver mark was
individually punched. These letters are absolutely perfect and the
background is "pebbly" and uniform"
(this is from Bille Hougart who wrote "The Little Book of Mexican
Trade and Hallmarks"). I am very grateful to him for helping me out
with this. You will also find information and pictures of the fake marks
at Phyllis's site
www.spratlingsilver.com
submitted by Marbeth Schon
I have not personally seen other examples of this pin with the
non authentic marks as on yours. However, I have seen more intricate
Spratling items and less sophisticated items bearing these same marks. I
have been told that these specific marks surfaced on the east coast
several years
before the Dan Ripley auction in September 1998. The publicity
surrounding the removal of these items (and, as well, items by Hector
Aguilar and Fred Davis) was the first general acknowledgement that I
know of concerning the
increasing numbers of non authentic marks. You can find actual pictures
of the items and the hallmarks on them that were withdrawn (after
vetting) at Dan's website in the Archives section. www.danripley.com The
auction
material to look for was September 1998, Mexican Silver.
We all know intellectually that correct marks can easily be reproduced
these days. And when each of us finds a "treasure," I think it
is human nature to want it to be genuine, so we subconsciously look for
things to substantiate
our hope. It is so important to think about when an item was supposedly
made. For instance, genuine Spratling items have not been made for 35
years, and his highest levels of production (1940 - 1945) means that
much of what we find may be 60 years old. Does the item look like it was
made with the construction methods and tools of that time period. (Many
of the imposters we see now actually do have similar construction
features, but often small details will give it away.) Does the item have
a patina that represents many years of usage, polishing and exposure to
air? Is there
genuine tarnish in the cracks and crevices of the item, or, instead, has
someone put a black wash (fake tarnish) on a piece...is the tarnish only
in those places we normally can't polish or, if the item was recently
buffed, where a buffing wheel can't reach? Hallmarks are only one tool
that we need
to look at, and I do think that very few dealers ever deliberately try
to deceive their customers. There is no way we can expect dealers to be
absolutely current and "the most knowledgeable" about each of
the many items
they offer for sale. Each of us as buyers must assume some
responsibility for knowing something about which we are planning to
spend - sometimes sizable -amounts of money.
The more each of us knows and is willing to share that knowledge, we
will all be better protected against such deceptions. There are so many
"good"
pieces available! We just sometimes need to be reminded to put into our
good sense into practice as our "head" tells us to do, rather
than our "heart."
information provided by Phyllis Goddard
Also see
http://www.modernsilver.com/Williamspratlinghallmarks.htm
|
 |
Spratling mark on tin
See
http://www.modernsilver.com/Williamspratlinghallmarks.htm
|
William Spratling
 |
William Spratling
(1900-1967) has been called by many 'a Renaissance Man.' Throughout
Mexico he is acknowledged as "The Father of Mexican Silver." Certainly
the town of Taxco and its economy would be vastly different without the
initiative and creativity of this man. He complemented its valuable
historic past with a new vitality and spirit which recognized the
importance of the indigenous culture. The artistic and economic
foundation he established continues to flourish today." (This is taken
from a biography of William Spratling by Phyllis Goddard. Please see
the whole biography at
http://www.spratlingsilver.com/spratling.htm)
Also read:
http://www.modernsilver.com/Williamspratlinghallmarks.htm
Information can be found in Mexican Silver by Carole Berk and Penny Morrill,
Silver Masters of Mexico, by Penny Morrill and William Spratling
and the Mexican Silver Renaissance. His work was included in
the traveling exhibit, William Spratling and the Mexican Silver
Renaissance.
You can order Mexican Silver, $59.95
(item #SMB001) or Silver
Masters of Mexico, $49.95 (item #SMB002) from
MODERN SILVER
magazine books Please add $3.95 for shipping for each book. |
Steampunk Jewelry |
This is my take on Steampunk Jewelry.
Focus is on use of Victorian
filigree like settings with mechanical components
of machines (pre-electronic). GEARS are a major
design focus. Steampunkers
love things made out of WATCH GEARS from old pocket
and manual wind wrist
watches. I have been selling old watch components to folks who make
Steampunk jewelry. If you
do a search on eBay on watch movements you will see large lots
of watch movements being bought by steampunkers.
In my opinion, the most unique
Steampunk jewelry is using older sterling
filigree pieces when incorporating the mechanical
parts. Steampunkers are also
looking for these types of sterling pieces rather
than having to buy newly
manufactured silver-tone findings.
Steampunk is a BIG hit with the
following groups of people:
Victorian Gothic crowd
Science Fiction/Fantasy crowd
Hope this was helpful,
information provided by Chris
Melendez |
Erne Stener
|
(Example is a necklace signed Erne Stener)
submitted by Judy in CA |
Henry Steig 
|
Henry Steig (1906-1973) had a shop in
New York in the 1950s-1960s. Jazz had a significant influence on his
work--Steig was a musician who played saxophone and clarinet with dance
bands in New York during the 1920s-30s. He studied art at the National
Academy of Design, but was mostly a self-taught metalsmith. His jewelry
designs are modern and sophisticated, evidencing his training in design
and sculpture.
His work
is featured in both of my books,
Modernist Jewelry,
1930-1960, The Wearable Art Movement and Form & Function, American
Modernist Jewelry, 1940 - 1970 and was included in the exhibit
"American Modernist Jewelry, 1940 - 1970" at the Fort Wayne Museum
of Art, 2008.
Information provided
by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
"W. Strasser custom made 1990"
|
I'm hoping someone will have some info on this contemporary artist/jeweler.
The brooch is made of silver, copper and brass, with nine round bezel-set
carnelian cabochons. It's marked "W. Strasser custom made 1990" and titled
"Dreamer". It's very well made, and whimsical in theme - the person is dreaming
of travel, success, sleep, sex, and a chicken.
submitted by Patrick Kapty |
"Sv.T" |
I recently purchased a pair of 4 light candelabras that were sold to me as Georg Jensen, however his name is not on them.
They are marked Sv.T. Denmark Sterling 925 s. The style looks like Jensen. I would appreciate any info on
Sv.T.
|
Swan mark |
The Swan mark you are showing is not very clear,
but it appears to be a French mark used on watch cases
and other small boxes, 1893-1969. It has an oval frame
but the shape of the swan (curvature of the neck) varies
slightly. This mark was used on foreign silver imports and other
products which were of unknown foreign origin and provided
the casing for French products. The silver fineness also varied.
Your case looks beautiful and hand tooled and though I need to examine
it to be certain, I believe it to be Armenian, most likely originating
from
Persia or Turkey, but such works also came from Eastern Europe
and were even made in France in early 1900s which carry the French
mark.
|
Swedish mark with triple crown mark
for local (VS imports) sale, S for sterling, G9 for 1957 and "P" |
I might as well kick it off with a question about a lovely sterling silver brooch in my possession. I do know that it is a Swedish piece. It has leaves w/a single pinecone, and has the following hallmarks: the triple crown mark for local (VS imports) sale, S for sterling, G9 for 1957(?), but I haven't
figured out who would've produced it. There is a letter P at the beginning of the series. There also may have been another letter preceding the P, but it is illegible at this point.
submitted by
Mary
There were at least two designers working during the
period your piece was made using "P" as part of their mark. There is the mark for
K.E. Palmberg who designed for Alton and used both "KP" and
"K.E. Palmberg" (in script)
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
"the silversmith" |
(Example is a pair of small heavy screwback earrings. Very simple
ovals with oxidation on one half of each side of the earring. . One earring
is marked sterling on the back of the silver oval disc and on the other it's
marked all in lower case letters "the silversmith".
submitted by Jackie Weeks
In the Mystery Marks forum, Jackie Weeks asked about a mark "the
silversmith" . That mark I believe is from a jewelry manufacturer
and shop in Greenwich Village NY on W.4th st. from around 1956 to the
present. I worked there in 1958.
information provided by Ken Darling |
"H T" (D.F. 925)
(this is a Mexican mark)
|
This appears to be a conjoined block letter "H" and
"T." The other
earring shows that it is clearly an "H." It looks more like a
backwards
chair here, but, in general, this mark is clearer, so I used this one
to show you. The upper left vertical segment of the "H" is
just worn.
You can see that it is the District Federale and not Taxco, so it may
be a much more obsure artisan. By the way, the 925 is placed
carefully along the right leg of the "H," so that it nestles
very neatly
under the umbrella of the "T." It is the same on both
earrings, clearly
meant to be part of the mark, as opposed to merely a random
stamping of the silver content. The earrings are extremely
well made married metals hemispheres -- with a brass bull's eye
in the center of the silver circle. Here's the image:
submitted by Rosalie Isaacs
|
"T" (with wings) |
(Examples are Arts & Crafts sterling handwrought items, including
jewelry with the hallmark of a T with wings on either side.)
submitted by Ramona Tung
he winged T hallmark belongs to the Gaylord SIlvercraft Shop of Wallingford,
CT. it was in > operation from about 1925 to 1944. Pieces were made at
the Gaylod Sanatorium, where silver was made to > keep patients busy.
A total of 481 patients made > silver, and about 30,000 items were produced
at the shop in the 19-year span. To find more specific information, including
a list of what Gaylord Shop made and in what quantity, use the following
link:http://www.smpub.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000038.html
information provided by Paul Lemieux |
T-2
 |
A while back, a question arose about modernist jewelry with the mark
"T2". Someone suggested this may be another mark for Ed Wiener. I would like
further information on this mark if anyone knows. I've handled 3 pieces of
jewelry, all small items. Two pair earrings - one a la wiener - the other
stylistically a little different. Also, a pair of very cool cufflinks w/
fish a la wiener - these where marked "T2" and also ..."LALL CONE". Could
"T2" be a Shop Mark where these modernist may have sold their jewelry?
submitted by Nancy Hunt
Regarding T-2, I've seen the mark on findings of jewelry which were obscure
and unsigned as well as on findings of pieces by Ed Wiener. I've always thought
that it was the mark of a findings company that was used by many during the
'50s, but I may be wrong.I have a wonderful pair of studio cufflinks with
an abstract fish design marked: "-LLAL CONE". They look very much like the
work of the mid-century modernist jewelers and the cufflink bars are marked
"STERLING, T-2" Every time I have seen this mark it has been on the part
of the jewelry that is probably manufactured by another company and used
by the jeweler.
submitted by Marbeth Schon
The big question is about some pieces by Ed Wiener. I have some that are
marked with his name and the earrings to match are marked Sterling T2. I
also have a set that is only marked T2 sterling and no name. This set is the
open star as pictured on page 255 in the Silver Jewelry Designs by Nancy
Schiffer. I would appreciate any info on this mark.
submitted by Lonny |
Talleres Monasticos
 |
"Talleres Monasticos is the workshop of the
Benedictine monks of Cuernavaca. The workshop was described as
producting some exceptionally interesting semi-abstract liturgical
artswork." (From Mexican Silver Trade and Hallmarks by Bille
Hougart, p. 195) |
Teka 
|
3 piece floral set, it looks like TeKs inside a
triangle? Scandinavian??
submitted by Eva Kryzanek
It is a German company called
Teka. They made some nice pieces; just go to Google and look 'em up. I
can't remember any details at the moment.
information provided by
Martha Trachtenberg
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LuckySixVintage |
Tilo (Taxco) |
Does anyone
know about a Taxco silversmith named Tilo? I
found one online reference to him having worked with/for Spratling,
but I'm reluctant to make that kind of claim based on a single
reference (the mark is on a bracelet I'm planning to sell).
submitted by
Martha T. |
double crossed "T" over a squared
"C" in a rectangular cartouche.
(mark for Thomae Co.)
|
I was looking through my "Rainwater" books this
morning for marks and came
across the mark Jackie Weeks sent in an email more than a week ago. It
was a
double crossed "T" (looks like an old-fashioned telephone
pole) over a
squared "C" in a rectangular cartouche. The mark is for The
Thomae Co.,
Atelboro Massachusetts, in business from 1920----. The book
"American
Jewelry Manufacturers" by Rainwater shows only a similar "T
C" mark (not in a
rectangle and with and rounded "C"). If you look in
Rainwater's other book
"Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers" you will see
the mark exactly
as Jackie drew it with the rectangle and the square "C".
I think it's useful to have both books on hand. The "Encyclopedia
of American
Silver Manufacturers" has a nice section at the back with pictures
of marks
which is very helpful if you don't have a letter of the alphabet to go
by.
information provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
Gunn Trigere
|
I just wanted to know a little more about Gunn
Trigere. I know she's
from Stockholm, studied at the Sorbonne and ended up on Rodeo Drive. Ok,
so now, when did she start producing? Has she always worked with silver? Has she
done anything in gold? I have two pins in 14 kt that almost look like her work
and they are simply signed TRIGERE, just as it is typed.
submitted by Heidi
|
Smiling
TePee mark |
Hi Everyone, I picked up what I think is just a super piece....
:) First any ideas on the age or maker...great symbols through
out...whirling logs, arrows and a mark that looks like a Smilin' TeePee? I
feel it is an earlier piece. Any thoughts? What type of stone do you
think Turquoise?
submitted by Roger
|
"T & P"
|
(Example is a s SS filigree lorgnette with SS chain having colette set
paste rounds, I would guess c. 1890 to 1910, signed T & P.
submitted by Elaine Kula |
TR-97 |
(Example is a pin that appears to be marked TR-97)
submitted by Terri
Penny Morrill in her book "Mexican Silver" gives the clearest explanation
of the current Mexican hallmarks. Penny says..."Today each silversmith is
given a mark which consists of a series of letters and numbers. The first
letter refers to the city or town, "T" for Taxco," "M" for Mexico city. The
next letter is the initial of the first or last name of the silversmith and
the number designates the position of the silversmith on the list under that
particular letter.." As Penny explains, the maker of your pin is from Taxco
and his/her name begins with an "R." He/she was the 97th person to register
in Taxco for the letter "R."
Information provided by Phyllis Goddard
As an addendum to Phyllis' quote from Penny's book, this form of registry
mark has been in use since circa 1979, so the mark also gives a clue to the
piece's age - no more than about 20 years.
information provided by Christie
Romero |
"T" and overlapping "S"
|
(Example is Danish A&C period with turquoise. It is marked 585 with
a T and overlapping S. I recently purchased the Jacob Thage/Danish jewelry
book which lists Tabita Swenn as a jeweler during the A&C period.
pic
pic)
submitted by Beth Scott |
"AKT",Heart with crown,"585-XX-R7" |
( Example is a Finnish 14K gold ring with a very sculptural surface.
Date mark is for 1970. --two different views)
submitted by Pam Biallas
"AKT" is the mark for Tammen Koru Ky of Turku, Finland. AKA Tammen Koru Oy.
Apparently the mark is the owner/artist/designer's name Alpo Tammi, not sure
what the middle initial is. This person has been around since the mid-50s,
and worked in Turku, Helsinki, and Joensuu over the years, and was still
in business in 1988.
information provided by Patrick Kapty
http://stores.ebay.com/California-Dreamin-Retro-Modern-ETC |
"Taki 975" |
(Example is a collar, gold over 975 silver. It is entirely handmade.
It is signed Taki and 975 on a raised plaque.)
Susan Williams
I found this site with a
search.http://www.sanatgalerisi.com/art/takiatolyesi/index.htm
Taki might be this Turkish artist.
information provided by Sue Sinclair in
FL |
"12TAR" |
(Example was a Deco sterling bracelet with blue enameling. The mark is
800 in an oval, and the other mark is 12TAR. Or maybe it's ZAR.)
submitted by Ellen Solway |
"THEDREA" (or "THEOREA")
|
To begin with, I would greatly appreciate it if someone,
or many, can help me to identify a new acquisition. It is quite heavy
and
large....magnificently made. The stones appear to be genuine (citrine
and
moonstone). It is marked Sterling and has a signature....which I cannot
discern. That signature appears to be either THEDREA, THEOREA, The Orea
or The Drea. I am submitting urls of the front and back. I would be
thrilled to learn the age, the country of origin and who the artist
was.
submitted by Cris Fleisher
|
'THUNE, 925S" |
has Anyone ever heard of a Silversmith and I believe it is
Scandinavian...Looks Like Thume?? 925S
submitted by Roger
I thought we had a request for this maker at another time, but couldn't find
it on the mystery marks page or in previous emails. I wish I could tell
you something other than I'm pretty sure it's Danish and certainly looks Arts
& Crafts. None of my resources lists "Thune" or Guldsmed Chr. Delphin
Elverum. It appears to say "-???----- your country" so must be historical
and/or patriotic in nature. I love the shield around the piece. I can't
read the word "Vaerg"--maybe someone else can help.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com
Thune is a company in Oslo Norway,they first registered the T in a
sheild in 1962.later in 1966 they registered a T in a sheid with a crown
above it,thee also is another mark registered for Thune which is a
script of nmt which is for N.M.THUNE A/S OSLO.
Thune is a smaller company than David Andersen but had similar ideas as
to working with enamels the company is still current today.
information provided by Vanessa Paterson.
|
Bill Tendler
 |
Bill Tendler was an American
modernist jeweler who hand made pieces in his studio/shop in New York's
Greenwich Village from 1952-1981. More information and photographs
of his work are found in my book Modernist Jewelry
1930-1960, The Wearable Art Movement, pages 82,83.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
Harold
Tishler |
Made enameled jewelry on copper, typically
of animals and some other natural themes. I believe he worked in
Florida in the 50s and 60s.
submitted by Chris
|
"Tobler"
|
I came across an interesting silver piece today and
it is
marked Tobler. I know I have heard of this maker before but I can't
locate
it in any of my books.
submitted by Cathy |
Charles Tomae & Son |
You have been deceived as the makers wanted you to be. These are PSEUDO
hallmarks. The crown, Old English T and lion are actually an American maker's
mark, Charles Tomae & Son, Inc. of Attleboro MA, established in 1920. See
Dorothy Rainwater's American Jewelry Manufacturers, page 236.
American silver mfrs. sometimes used marks that looked like British hallmarks
because they wanted buyers to make the association with British sterling and
its reputation for quality. Gorham Mfg. Co. and Watson, Newell & Co. are two
more examples.
information provided by Christie Romero |
Tono, AC, STERLING, TAXCO, 925, HECHO EN MEXICO, PIEDRA
NEGRA" |
(Example is a piece marked Tono (accent on the n) in script and the initials
AC inside a circle marked Hecho en Mexico Sterling Taxco 925. It also has
"Piedra Negra" and the production mark T126. Does anyone know whether this
AC piece may be the early work of Antonio Castillo?)
submitted by Evelyn Yallen
(Example is a pin --very well made, onyx in silver with inlaid brass and
silver with hanging pendants of alternating onyx and turquoise. Also marked:
"STERLING, TAXCO, 925, HECHO EN MEXICO, PIEDRA NEGRA,
T119". )
submitted by Marbeth Schon
I can not say this for certain, but I believe the Tono signature with the
~ above the "n" and "AC" was for Antonio (called Tono) Castillo.
information provided by Nancy Hunt
Although I can't say "for sure," I will say "extremely likely" that this
is Antonio Castillo. Los Castillo was one of the few talleres in Taxco to
stamp the names of their techniques on their pieces. "Piedra Negra" (black
stone) refers to the inlay work that Los Castillo was famous for. The look
of the piece also says Los Castillo to me.
information provided by Christie Romero
I just got off the phone with Don Antonio Castillo. He is in good health,
and still working on his new designs. Still an artist, after more than 60
years!......We discussed his use of the AC mark, and he states that he only
used this for a few pieces, that were in the center of his mark "Cobre
Artistico". It is also marked "Los Castillo". I have this mark on a pair
of his vintage copper angel candelabra. He states that he has never used
the mark "Tono", with or without the tilde! So, the "AC" "Tono" is NOT Los
Castillo.
information provided by Sheila Pamfiloff
I have also seen a necklace with the Tono and AC hallmarks but with an
additional assay mark of TC-55. While we know one of Antonio Castillo's
assigned assay marks was TC-45, someone somewhere knows who was assigned
TC-55 and when they finally come clean then this mystery will be solved once
and for all. Is there a list anywhere
of the identified TC marks?
information provided by Bob
|
"CJ" or "GJ" with a crown
(or W) on top of the C/G letter, "TORE" with what looks
like a peacepipe or a hammer, "925" |
Does anyone recognize the hallmark on this choker necklace? It looks
like CJ or GJ with a crown on top of the C/G letter or maybe it's a W
instead of a crown.....WCJ/WGJ (?) and the letters TORE with what looks
like a peacepipe or a hammer? Assay mark is 925 only.
|
Tostrup
 |
J. Tostrup is a Norwegian firm founded in
1932. They created hollowware and jewelry and are well known for
beautiful enameled jewelry and some extraordinary modern designs by
Grete Prytz Kittlesen.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
"J. TOSTRUP, GE" |
have a J.Tostrup machine age pin which is also marked with the initials
GE. I realize that Gertrud Engel worked in Denmark but is it possible that she was part of the Tostrup workshop in Norway??
Ellen from Santa Cruz |
Towle (Early mark)
 |
Towle Silversmiths was incorporated in 1902.
They manufactured both sterling and plated silverware. In the
1950s and 1960s they created enamelware designed by Earl Pardon and
other mid 20th century modernist designers.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com
|
"Tuttle Sterling"
|
(Example is of a modern design sterling silver pin with a "mushroom spore"
texture)
submitted by Ellen Solway
There is a firm - I believe based in Boston - called Tuttle
Silversmiths, and while they are better known for their sterling flatware
and hollowware, I belive they have also been producing sterling jewellery in
recent years. Their flatware has a unique date marking system - there is a
mark on pieces with the initials of the US president in office at the time
the piece was produced (this started with Calvin Coolidge -
CC ). Is the piece only marked Tuttle sterling or are there other marks with
it?
submitted by Fiona Kenny |
"THU" (or IHU) |
Danish designer, also marked: "handmade"
submitted by Patrick Kapty |
"Tria juncta
in uno" |
I was looking through the net and came across a query by "Paul"
and "Jane, Viney Ridge" about a gold stickpin with an unknown emblem
on it which featured the motto "Tria juncta in uno" with various
other elements including three crowns. This is the emblem of the "Order of
the Bath", the
second highest order of chivalry in Britain. The three crowns
represent the three kingdoms, England, Scotland and Ireland that make up the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The motto means
"three
joined as one". I therefore suspect that the stickpin belonged to
someone who was a
member of the order. There aren't that many so the Chancellery
of the Order should be able to tell you who the members were when the pin was
made.
I hope this helps,
information provided by Graham Bartram
|
 |
I am hoping someone out there
can identify maker of brooch and
earrings - they are quite large
and Denmark has been struck
twice , also reads sterling -
the maker
looked like Casper ?
submitted by Yvette Searle
I
think it says Truart, that was a
line made by the Hingeco
Vanities
company. Perhaps the Casper/Casperi
was a designer or a special
order?
Danish work would have required
several identifying hallmarks
which
these pieces do not have.
information provided by Tracy
Hingeco Vanities, Inc.,
Providence, Rhode Island was a
manufacturer of jewelry,
compacts and vanities. It
includes the TRUART line of
vanity items. TRUART was the
trademark adopted by this
company. The Company began
during the late 1930s and was
out of business by the early
1950s.
The
company produced a fair amount
of Patriotic U.S. WW2 Military
Sweetheart Jewelry. These pieces
are not only fun and sometimes
unusual, but are also
sentimental and patriotic. They
are found in silver plate,
sterling silver, gold plate,
gold filled, and occasionally
solid gold. Many wooden,
plastic, celluloid and non
precious metal pieces were used
with conservation of precious
metals for the war effort in
mind.
(from: "American Jewelry
Manufacturers" by Dorothy T.
Rainwater).
|
Yumi Ueno

|
For a great article about Yumi Uneo, please
read "Yumi Uneo,
Jewelry Artist" by Patrick Kapty, MODERN SILVER magazine, June -
July, 2002. |
Unger Brothers

|
Unger Brothers was founded by five brothers
in Newark, New Jersey for the manufacture and sale of pocket knives and
hardware specialties. In 1878, they began to manufacture silver
jewelry. Three of the brothers died and the remaining two, Herman
and Eugene continued under the name Unger Brothers. Eugene Unger
married Emma Dickinson, daughter of Philemon Dickinson in 1880. It
was Dickinson who designed the Art Nouveau articles that are the
signature pieces for collectors of Unger Brothers wares. After
1909, when the last brother died, they no longer used the Art Nouveau
patterns, beginning to create a more rectilinear line. They ceased
production of silver articles in 1914 and in 1919, the business was
sold. (from the "Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufactures" by
Dorothy T. Rainwater.) |
Rey Urban
 |
I have a wonderful mod pin signed in script Ray Urban, then in block
letters, A.FAUSING 925 STERLING DENMARK. Can anyone share info with me
on
this designer?
submitted by Ellen
Rey Urban studied at the Swedish Royal College
of Arts, Crafts and
Design in the1950s. He was awarded was awarded his master certificate as
a silversmith in 1955, and his work has been shown in exhibitions in
Sweden, Denmark and other countries. Urban's pieces are
beautifully designed, miniature sculptures to wear.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com
|
Johanna Van Ryn
|
While I was doing research for CJ in a 1946 Vogue magazine, I came across
an ad for a Johanna Van Ryn. The ad states that her jewels were handwrought
in sterling~often with semiprecious stones. It is a full page ad and shows
a set called "Twilight" [shown actual size] with amethyst quartz--Necklace
sold for 48.00, bracelet 33.00, earrings 8.40--belt not shown was 72.00--[a
lot of money in 1946]! The ad was from A. J. Van Dugteren & sons, Inc.
NY, NY. Is anyone familiar with her work? If there is an interest,
submitted by Pat Seal
I have been researching various signed silver jewelry pieces I have
with the intention of selling or swapping for vintage silver buttons.
After about 6 months now I have been unable to find any information
about a bracelet I have. It is signed Silver, Mexico and Johanna Von
Ryn or Van Ryn. Any help on time period, collectible value, who this
person is would be appreciated.
submitted by Debra
Bille Hougart, in his book "The Little Book of Mexican Silver Trade
and
Hallmarks," lists this company as being active in Mexico from the
1940s. I
imagine they were a U.S. company that made pieces in Mexico as well.
Maybe someone else is more knowledgeable on this subject.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
"Victoria"
Ana Maria Nunez de Brilanti

|
Victoria was the name of the
silver shop of Ana Maria Nunez de Brilanti., founded in 1940. She worked
in silver, copper, and mixed metals. Her designs are distinctive and
beautifully created. She designed a necklace for First Lady
Eleanor Roosevelt who admired the piece so much that she had Ana copy it
for her friends.
Information can be found in Mexican Silver by Carole Berk and Penny Morrill,
Silver Masters of Mexico, by Penny Morrill and William Spratling
and the Mexican Silver Renaissance. Her work was included in
the traveling exhibit, William Spratling and the Mexican Silver
Renaissance.
You can order Mexican Silver, $59.95
(item #SMB001) or Silver
Masters of Mexico, $49.95 (item #SMB002) from
MODERN SILVER
magazine books Please add $3.95 for shipping for each book.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
Victory bracelet |
Does anyone have any information on a
piece of victory/sweetheart jewelry that we found in a
relative's belongings?
This is
marked Sterling on each end of the bracelet...says "victory" on one side of
a center engraved pair of eagle wings and "America" on the other side. Any
information is appreciated. The bracelet is approximately 1/2" wide and
solid sterling silver. Thanks very much.
submitted by Cara Maria
There's a good book on WWII jewelry etc by Nick Snider called
"Sweetheart Jewelry and Collectibles", published by Schiffer
in 1995. Lots of similar items are pictured in this book, tho I didn't
see any cuff bracelets.
I personally LOVE American patriotic stuff, even tho I'm originally from
across the northern border, and agree it's especially meaningful now.
information provided by Patrick Kapty
http://stores.ebay.com/California-Dreamin-Retro-Modern-ETC While I haven't contributed much lately I have a suggestion on this
one. Years ago I had an open sterling cuff
bracelet. Although I'm a little foggy on the design I knew it was
military. Someone bought it from me
& told me this story. When someone graduated from West Point they
would take a napkin ring and have
it made into a bracelet for a sweetheart. I think this was during or
around the time of WWII.
information provided by Carie Z |
"MV-43 925" |
Bought a yummy feeling Mexican necklace today, along with other
goodies. Don't know who this particular maker might be but it
feels wonderful. Very nicely made piece. It is marked
MV-43 925 Mex. I have not seen this mark before and it definetly
has the feel of an older piece. Not new that's for sure.
submitted by Jackie Weeks |
Tone Vigeland (for Plus, Norway)

|
Ranking among the very top artists of
contemporary jewelry making internationally, Tone Vigeland has been
a leading artist in her native Norway for almost forty years.
Pioneering a movement of goldsmiths working in small private
workshops hand making jewelry with an emphasis on the free artistic
expression, she started her own workshop in 1961. She was followed
by artists such as Gine Sommerfelt in 1964, Toril Bjorg in 1968 and
in the seventies by many others.
Upon graduating from the National
College of Art and Design (NCAD), Tone Vigeland got an
apprenticeship at the metal workshop at PLUS (Fredrikstad, Norway)
from 1959 to -61. Tone Vigeland - in the company of Erling
Christoffersen, the leader of the workshop, and his wife Anna Greta
Eker, were the most prominent designers of PLUS jewelry. It soon got
a repetition of being simplistic modern jewelry, combining good form
with sensitivity towards the materials used. Tone Vigeland continued
designing for PLUS also after she started her own workshop.
In the 60s, Tone Vigeland was very
obviously working in the Scandinavian Design tradition. Some of her
early works bear witness of a strong influence from the Swedish
artist Torun Bülow-Hübe who was working for the Georg Jensen Company
in Denmark. Key terms are simple geometric forms, clean surfaces and
solutions that are technically straightforward. Silver jewelry was
made with stones such as Carnelian, Jade and Amethyst. Long chains
and neck rings were made for pendants to be worn in everyday life.
Among the most distinct pieces are pairs of sculpturous swirl
earrings that cling elegantly to and around the ears.
Through her career Tone Vigeland has
been represented in numerous exhibitions and galleries. Amongst her
earliest prestigious contributions were jewelry for the Norwegian
exibition at the XII Triennale in Milan 1960, and Expo 67, the
Montreal World's Fair in Canada.
Tone Vigeland eventually had a great
international break through, exhibiting in the London gallery
'Electrum' in 1981. This was followed by exhibitions in New York,
Tokyo and other major cities. Her career can be characterized by a
capability of continuously renewing artistic creativity, by a dialog
among contrasting forms, textures and materials, creating a daring
expression. In the 70s and 80s her emphasis moved in the direction
of jewelry making as fine art. She would apply e.g. hammered steel
nails combined with gold and small silver rings 'knitted' together
to almost elastic constructions making enormous necklaces,
reminiscent of ritual objects from so called primitive cultures.
(quoted directly from
http://effie-graa.com/egc/library/artists/info_TVI.htm)
|
Alfredo Villasana
 |
Alfredo Villasana pieces are either stamped
like the picture to the left of with a conjoined, incised "AV" mark.
Villasana worked for William Spratling and later for Hector Aguilar.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
"VOO"
(Mexican) |
I
found this great mexican set with all the right old marks and signed VOO.
I've looked in the Mexican marks book and VOO is in there, but gives no
other
info. Does anyone have any info on this maker? Thanks.
submitted by Donna |
Poul Warmind |
A few weeks ago, in a jewel lot, I happened upon some inlay earrings
marked Warmind Denmark and the W and 5. I'm assuming this is POUL Warmind.
However, I note on both Patrick's and Marbeth's sites that their pieces
are marked PW. Any significance in the difference in marks? A time
period?
submitted by beegee
|
WAYNE |
I am asking for help in identifying a charming brooch consisting of
two ginko like leafs with simple tendrils and a three silver balls in
the center. The back is marked STERLING HANDWROUGHT WAYNE. Any help
would be appreciated. Has anyone heard of the maker WAYNE?
submitted by Fred |
"W&B,
STERLING SILVER" |
An oval box, 3
1/5 x 1 2/5 inches (8 x 3.5cms), weight 58.5grams, gilded interior in
Adams Revival style, (circa 1900?), narrow white enamel border with rays
to a narrow blue enamel oval within which is a feathered central
medallion. The maker is W&B, (sans serifs) and STERLING SILVER, both
without
borders.
Thanking you, in anticiaption for accepting these enquiries and look
forward
to answers.
submitted by Fred Sinfield |
"ww" and large "S"
below
"3" (inside a "G") and girl's head facing left |
Good evening Folks...I have a few questions for you first
is this set of
demi spoons...weird Mark it is a triangle with a 2 small W 's and the
Large
letter S below...it might be also a large letter S and 2 small letter
M's
below it and another hallmark is a oval one with the number 3 inside a
Girls
head facing left and looks to be wearing a bonnet and the letter W after
it...a great set and looks like sterling! Any info would be great!
submitted by Roger Erickson |
Bjorn Weckstrom |
See
Mystery Marks I
for information about Bjorn Weckstrom (under BJORN) |
"W" over an "o"
|
(Example is a cool pair of silver and amethyst cufflinks.. They have
a mark of a W on top of a small O.)
submitted by Ellen from Santa Cruz |
"Wehde" |
I have a wonderful Arts and Crafts pair of salad servers. They are hand
hammered with an applied monogram similar in style to Kalo. They are
marked "Wehde" and "Handwrought Sterling". Any
information would be appreciated.
|
"Weighted Silver" and "Sterling Silver reinforced with cement" |
I would very much like to know what do these terms
indicate; "Weighted Silver" and "sterling silver
reinforced with cement" are engraved at the bottom of
a lot of silver candlesticks about 50 years or older.
What do these mean?
submitted by
JacobJacob,
As far as I know (and candlesticks are not exactly my area) what you are
looking at is a very thin sterling silver shell filled with...plaster, cement,
Jimmy Hoffa's remains, whatever. I have watched someone salvage the silver
from a half dozen damaged candlesticks (they are not generally repairable) and
after a half hour of fussing he didn't have more than a few ounces of silver for
his time.
I buy these type pieces out of estates and yard sales for resale at fairly
cheap prices and have never seen a really nice piece of silver labeled this
way.
information provided by Cris Telgard, Tampico Imports |
"Weinstabl Moricz Pozsony",
along with the hallmark "K.W" and what looks like an octogon in a square. |
I am trying to research the following mark and am having very little
success. This is on a cigarette case and reads Weinstabl Moricz Pozsony,
along with the hallmark K.W and what looks like an octogon in a square.
I know that Pozsony is in the Czech Republic but that's all I've been able
to discover. I was told this piece (sorry, don't have photos because the
seller is trying to determine a price) is circa 1900, Austrian seccession
period.
submitted by Evelyn
|
WENDELL
AUGUST FORGE |
I do not know if this pin (and its matching earings are silver or not. The pin is aboit 1 1/2x2 inches. What I can read from the stamps on the back includes 100. Then in a circlur stamp obscured by the pin fastened I can read ARTIRON and . . . GUST. The is a design in the
middle of the circle stamp, perhaps a mountain with 3 connected rings on it along with uneven lines. Any help would be appreciated.
submitted by LorraineYour pin and earrings were probably produced at
the WENDELL
AUGUST FORGE. Most likely, they are aluminum. I am not sure if the company ever produced any items in silver. There is a lot of information available on line. You might want to take a look.
information provided by Julie Kontor
|
"Wheeler 93" |
Please does anyone have any information on the maker of a silver
turtle
pendant with heart-shaped blue glass center signed
"Wheeler93"?
|
Ed Wiener

 |
Ed Wiener (1918-1991)
was one of the most well-loved and respected modernist jewelers of his
day. Though almost entirely self-taught, he possessed a magnificent
appreciation of form, line, and color together with an amazing ability
to uniquely apply the ideas and principles of modernism to his life's
work.
His work is featured in every
major book on American mid 20th century studio jewelry. Biographies of
Ed Wiener and
photographs of his work can be found in both of my books,
Modernist Jewelry, 1930-1960, The Wearable Art Movement and Form &
Function, American Modernist Jewelry, 1940 - 1970 and his work
was included in the exhibit "American Modernist Jewelry, 1940 -
1970" at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, 2008. Please see
MODERN SILVER magazine archives:
www.modernsilver.com/Americanmodernistjewelry.htm
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
Edward Winter (on enamel)
 |
Edward Winter (1908-1976) is a very important
figure in the history and art of enameling in the United States.
He studied at the Cleveland School of Art, graduating in 1931. Later he
traveled to Vienna where he studied enameling and metalwork with Josef
Hoffmann after which he became committed to enameling as his medium,
executing designs in a modernist aesthetic. Winter won numerous
prizes for his beautiful and well-respected enamels and wrote several
books on the subject of enameling.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |

World Moulded Metal Co., Ltd. |
Hi, it's been a long time since posting an
inquiry. I hope that everyone has
been well! I need assistance with this makers mark. Sterling silver
"wedding
bracelets"- London city assay, sterling silver hallmark, "K" letter
designation-
(1945). Maker mark "WMM Ld". Need help in identifying the maker. Thank
you..
One other thing that confuses me is the 1945 date of these. I thought that
"wedding bracelets" in a matched pair such as there would have been
Victorian,
so the date letter sort of surprised me. Any insight?
submitted by Carolyn Sunday
This is the mark of World Moulded Metal
Co Ltd who first registered in London in
1945. They are no longer registered.
information provided
by John |
Carly Wright
 |
|
"Frank Lloyd Wright |
(Example was a great pair of abstract cufflinks signed Frank Lloyd
Wright.which appeared to be silver.)
submitted by Sharon
|
"CW"(in script) |
(Example was a sterling and marcasite heart pin with faux? gems)
pic
submitted by Michele Donahue |
"G" (within) "W" |
This mark, which looks like a fancy captal "G" sitting in a plain capital
"W," appears on a pair of cool earrings I just got.The initials and the 925
are the only markings -- no country, date, eagle mark, etc They are clip
backs,and (of course) the marks are under the clips. They are definitely
modern-looking -- a geometrical twistedshape that looks like several strands
of spaghetti glued together side by side and doubled back on themselves.
My guess is that they are '60s, but it is just a hunch.
submitted by Rosalie Isaacs
|
"HW" monogram and "900" |
I just acquired a beautiful hand-wrought sterling and jade
cabochon Arts & Crafts brooch which I believeis by by Hugh Wallis;
c. 1910-1920; approximately 2-3/4" x 1-1/2"; tube hinge;
marked with "HW" monogram and "900". Does
anyone have information on Hugh Wallis and this hallmark?
If you really can't find the owner of the hallmark you could try contacting
the London Assay office. the Address is: The Assay Office, Goldsmiths Hall,
Gutter Lane, London, EC2V 8AQ. the telephone number: +44 (0)20 7606 8975.
There email address is: admin@londonassayoffice.co.uk.
This site is well worth looking at if you want to understand the history of
the UK hallmarking system.
http://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/
information provided by Richard Whitehouse
|
HW999 |
(Example is a pendant with a sold back, and the only mark is the HW999
on the bottom edge of the oval (about 1 5/8 inches long without the bale,
by the way). I am pretty sure the 999 refers to the purity of the silver.
Except I have never seen jewelry made from it (since it would be so easy
to damage because of the softness). I have not tried to injure this piece,
of course, so I haven't tested my theory. The cameo looks very Victorian,
like the profile of the lady on old silver dollars. Any thoughts as to maker,
vintage, or even country of origin? )
submitted by Rosalie Isaacs
Your piece was made/manufactured by Henry Winograd. I met this man approximately
10 years ago and he was living in Rego Park, Queens I believe. He may still
be alive and was probably in his late 60's at the time. He came from Europe
(might be Poland) and he did museum and church restorations of their silver
pieces (religious and precious antiques I would guess). I saw photo's of
some of his restoration work and it was most impressive.
He began a line of pins, pendants, small boxes,etc. from molds he made from
antique pieces and from adaptions. They were made in those days from 999
fine. Later on he used 925 and had a Copyright mark on his pieces as well.
They were surprisingly inexpensive......$45.00 for an exquisite brooch and
they were often in two or three sizes and could have borders around them
or be without a border/frame detail. He had a catalog and sold in small numbers
to dealers and small shops. I do not think at the time he had a representative.
His pieces could be easily found in the General New York area. Perhaps museum
gift shops as well. I do not know if his son eventually took over the business
and continued doing the pieces. I do believe there was a business up until
a few years ago, and it may still be in operation. Essentailly the pieces
look more important and impressive then they were sold to be. He did a number
of delightful pieces of children and mother and child designs. There was
also a large brooch of two angels that was a real winner. While these weren't
mass produced, they were not hand made either and probably had a limited
amount of hand finishing work done on them. He was quite skillful on oxidizing
and patinating the pieces. If his son hasn't continued the business, I would
guess his pieces will eventually be quite collectable. I believe he told
me he made them from molds.
information provided by Lolly Commanday |
"MW" (etched)
"Sterling"
|
Example is a pendant, about 7-1/4" long by 1-1/4"
wide at the widest point. It's roughly textured sterling with applied silver
balls, and the long fringe is of brass wire with brass ball terminals. All
on a sterling neckring.
submitted by Patrick Kapty |
P.G.W.
 |
This sterling ring has British hallmarks, and I see
that it's from London,1972, but though I've looked on various sites, (and I've
also seen a couple of pieces online signed in the same way) I can't find the
maker, P.G.W. Does anyone know who who this is?
submitted by Wendy
A friend of mine has identified this mark as
Peter Guy Watson. A similar style
ring sold on Ebay recently for about 70GBP ($110). There is a ring and pendant
set currently listed on eBay US at $1500 - rather ambitious maybe!
information provided by Carmel (UK)
|
(unsigned jewelry that looks
like Weckstrom) |
I'm thinking of bidding on a pair of Weckstrom earrings but they are
unsigned. Did Weckstrom ever do items from his own series which were
unsigned?
submitted by Sheryl
Weckstrom jewellery always had marks on however he did not always
sign BW on pieces but there would be the lapponia logo on all of the
jewellery going back to jthe late 1960s which is a crown in a box some say
it looks like a large W in a box.Be careful I see many things on the net
that people say are Weckstrom when they are NOT .
information provided by Vanessa Paterson, Retro Gallery. |


Tapio Wirkkala |
Hi everyone! Thanks in advance for all your
expertise. I need help identifying the Maker/Designer, Country of
origin, Date of
making, as well as, anyother information you have about this pendant.
submitted by CindyThis looks to be
the Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala's Silver Moon Pendant.
information provided by Sarah, Cambridge (UK)
|
lower case
"g y" with an "s" under the bowl of the " y" |
submitted
by Rich |
"Yesterman"
or "Justerman" |
I
am seeking information on an artist who makes silver cat jewellry - the
name is Yesterman or Justerman - sorry, it was said to me not spelled.
This person is apparently from Connecticut. Any ideas?
Thanks all,
submitted by Katherine
|
"Ky, Kay Young, sterling" |
I've bought two items now at different times in the past couple of years
signed by this maker. She signs her work Ky, Kay Young and of course sterling.
Just wondering if anyone has heard of this maker and when she worked or where.
submitted by Jackie Weeks |
'RBZ" |
Is
anyone familiar with the hallmark R.B.Z. ? Definitely Mexican. Thanks
for any help
submitted by Judy |
Marci Zelmenoff

|
Marci Zelmenoff submitted
by Gail Selig
I went to school with Marci Zelmanoff - Southern Illinois University in the
late 60's - She started out as a painting major and then switched to metals
and began making macrame wire jewelry. I believe she tried her hand at teaching
somewhere near Detroit after graduating and then moved to NYC. By the early
80's, I saw some slides of her work - brooches - wires fused to flat sheets
to make gestural drawings of female figures. Last I heard, she was no longer
making jewelry.
information provided by Mary Hu
Marci Zelmanoff's jewelry was featured in
an article in Craft Horizons, Feb. 1971 and a photograph of one
of her sculptural body pieces from that era was on the cover.
Zelmanoff was born in 1942 in Philadelphia.
She studied at the Rhode Island school of Design and received a MFA at
Southern Illinois University. She began her career as a painter, but
switched to sculpture in 1964. Her primary influences were her
teachers, Brent Kington and Olaf Skoogfors. She had a "one
man" show at the Edward Sherbeyn Gallery in Chicago in 1971. Her
jewelry was described in Craft Horizons as incorporating "tenth
century Celtic art, art nouveau, and the irreconcilable
present." Marci Zelmanoff is also recognized in "Jewelry
Concepts and Technology" by Oppi Untracht.
information
provided by Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
"Zina" |
:
(example was a brooch.marked, ZINA 925" )
submitted by Heidi |

Ziegfeld |
Ernest Ziegfeld, 1912-2004, was an jewelry
instructor at Long Beach State College in California. He
graduated from Southwest Missouri State College in Springfield and
received his Master of Fine Arts degree at Cranbrook. He also
attended Washington University in St. Louis and New Mexico Highlands
University. In 1959, he was Assistant Professor of Fine Arts at
Utaj State University in Logan teaching metalsmithing and
three-dimensional design from his Hyde Park Studio. He produced
Hollowware, flatware, jewelry, and woodenware. He exhibited in the
Walker Art Center's Second Contemporary Exhibit on Paper. He
worked with Harry Bertoia—probably
meeting him in Cranbrook and again in California and some of his jewelry
is very reminiscent of the work of Bertoia.
information provided by
Marbeth Schon
www.mschon.com |
"Z W& Co"
Zoltan White
"MADE IN ENGLAND, STERLING"
(also continuing discussing regarding British hallmarking)
|
(Example was a large, heavy, sterling silver Art Nouveau-style bracelet,
very ornate with a large rectangular curved-top chrysoprase surrounded by
faceted amethyst, citrine, and small cab chrysoprase and pearls, also marked
sterling)
pic
submitted by Marilyn Ostrow
(the second example is a ring. The markings are: MADE IN ENGLAND, STERLING,
ZW & Co. The stones are genuine (amethyst, citrines, sapphire,
peridot), but not the best quality. I believe it was a pin converted to a
ring. To me, stylistically, it screams Sibyl Dunlop. For reference, see:
Karlin, "Jewelry & Metalwork in the Arts & Crafts Tradition", page
54 - the pin with the hexagonal amethyst has silver scrollwork that is very
similar around the green faceted stones Schiffer, "Silver Jewelry Designs",
page 99 - the pin in the bottom right hand corner also is quite similar and
has faceted stones. )
submitted by Ramona Tung
Z.W. & Co. is the mark for Zoltan White, a
British Arts & Crafts jeweler.
information provided by Mary
Marchione
This is something I've been wondering about for quite a while. I own
several
pieces by ZW&Co, who to my understanding was in business from possibly
circa
1900 til at least 1940's (not sure about the latter date).
All 4 of the pieces I own are marked
"ZW&Co", "Made in England" and "Silver".
BUT - why aren't they marked with the regular British hallmarks that I
thought pieces were supposed to be marked with during that era? Wasn't
it a
requirement? Were these made for export? Or what?
submitted by Marilyn in central MA
British (and some other countries') hallmarking laws were not always
enforced
with jewelry. Many manufacturers evaded hallmarking, especially when the
amount of silver in a piece was not great. I can't cite the source off the
top of my head (this information is not found in most books on hallmarks),
but when I have more time, I will try to find out where I got this info. I'm
thinking it was in Shirley Bury's 2-volume opus, Jewellery 1789-1910, The
International Era. (And trying to track down citations in THAT source does
take some time!).
I have photographed a number of British pieces with no hallmarks at all -
even Liberty & Co.'s jewelry is sometimes just marked
"sterling" or "silver"
with the maker's mark, but no place of assay, lion passant, or date letter.
I
don't believe being made for export or domestic sale had anything to do with
it. From what I can gather from my reading, I don't think there WAS a
controlling factor involved here, but if one of our British members can
enlighten us further, I'd be pleased to know if there is/was one.
information provided by Chirstie Romero
hi Silverfans,just to sort out things regarding the British hallmarking act.
In Briton only items over a certain weight have to be hallmarked by law. At
present I gram of gold must be hallmark and I can not remember off hand the
weight limit on silver.
This is why sometimes things are not assayed. Some Jewellers insisted that
all items are hallmarked that they handle. others it was a matter of cost
effectiveness.
So there are legal weight limits.
--continuing with the discussion on hallmarks on
British Jewellery, the minimum weight before it must be assayed by law is 7
grams for silver 1 gram for gold, However there are some exceptions on this,
any jewellery which is of artistic value and that hallmarks would damage the
work or the item can not be hallmarked due to it being delicate these are
exempt lot of studio works did not get hallmarked due to the costs involved
like the British arts and crafts movement a lot of that is not Hallmarked.
I would say 90% of all silver is hallmarked and 99% of gold is hallmarked.
It is rare to come across un hallmarked British Jewellery but it does happen
also a lot of Companies did have there own punches and could punch there own
company name in without it going through assay which only really tests the
content of the metal involved.
I am posting a link to the Birmingham assaying office that I hope
all will find helpful. http://www.theassayoffice.co.uk/html/assay_mainframe.html
The hallmark act of 1974 changed in 1999 so if you deal in British Jewellery
this will help you identify some of the changes that many of you may not be
information provided by Vanessa
Paterson.
|
"CFZ"(or CF with a broken arrow) also symbols which look like a
sunburst or asterisk and lines which form a type of tent (or tepee)
symbol. |
(Example was a large modern abstract sterling silver brooch with painted
stone and small circle of gold)
submitted by Marbeth Schon
|
|
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