QuestionQUESTION: I recently bought a collection of supposed 18th or early 19th century indian trade silver from a souther collection. it contained several broaches and crosses, all having the same marks which i cant ID. the 1st mark appears to be a rather absract looking lion, and the 2nd mark is a rams head profile facing left over a capitol letter (K). thanks
ANSWER: Hello Gary,
It does sound like you have Indian British trade objects. The "k" is the hallmark representing the year imported.If its a gothic style , fancy letter- it would date it to 1885, if a straight "k" without serifs of any additional type other than a straight line, then 1881. As for the rams head in profile, I am fairly certain it is the duty mark given by the British assay office. If you don't have a complete set of 4 marks you have an imported piece. as you were told. Any incomplete set of marks represents as imported item. Generally they are genuine- in some cases particularly post 1950's the marks are cast into a piece to look like an authentic item. If you do however have a purity mark ( such as a lion, or 925, etc- there are many in both forms of animals or mythical creatures and lettres) followed by a set of initials, or a shape with a stamped image or letters in the center it is a true mark, the more wear, the more likely it is authentic and not a reproduction mark.
In the case of your "rams head" -that most indicates Glasgow as the import point for sterling of the type you describe. Without a picture of the mark though, you must keep in mind I am comparing your description to what appears in my database of hallmarks, makers marks etc and as such is speculative. If you can send a shot of the marks , particularly if they are different or have a complete set of at least 4 marks on a given piece I can then narrow it down more closely.
Hope this helps in some small way.
Best Regards,Ari
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silver marks
QUESTION: attached scan for further evaluation. all the items of trade silver have just the two marks (rams head K) and (lion). none have four stamps. the material is supposed to date no later than 1830s and have been part of the indian trade in the south east U.S. i really would like to confirm the date and origin of mfr as i suspect the material may be a more modern import and was mis-represented. . thanks for your help
AnswerGary,
sorry for the delay. I have been at a show all week.
I will look into the attachment and get back to you this evening. I do believe you have been the victim of either an innocent mistake or a less than truthful salesman. It looks to me like the import mark is made to resemble an Indian import that has been recently cast- but I'll do some checking and reply asap.
I haven't abandoned your request by any means!
Best Ari.
