QuestionI have a heavy sterling ring that has the maker's mark CD with a lower case script f over the D followed by 89 it is copyrighted and has STERLING under the stamped mark. The CD makes a circle with the f over the D. I have only seen one other mark like it, it had the number 86. No one seems to know who this is. Can you help?
AnswerHello Patricia,
Sorry it has taken me so long to research your question's answer. Without physically seeing the mark or the piece I can only speculate , or offer a guess. My guess would be S.D.Cottle &Co in business from 1877-1920, but they made few rings, the other guess is Shirley Ledge Carpenter , active until at least 2001 as her mark could be mistaken for an 'f"- though she rarely dated the work pieces.I am betting that the 89 and 86 denote the year of production. However neither quite fits your description , my drawing of your description or my catalogues and databases of marks.I would love to see a photo of the ring or the mark!
Some things I can tell you for certain is your mark is neither British, Russian,Finnish,Scottish, German, Swedish, Irish or Asian!The mark sounds American, and modern.Mexican silver marks tend to have the maker's name or a character in a stamp, and after the 70's when international standards were set most are also stamped with 925 or .925 to denote sterling. Mexican rings can be heavy. 999, or .999 denotes fine silver and articles of fine silver currently flooding the market from Thailand are primarily SE Asian- but rarely marked at all.I'm still wagering that your mark is American if not a British commonwealth subject's mark.
Sorry I can't give you a definitive answer though without seeing it,it is virtually impossible.I can often identify current gold and silversmiths works by sight, as well the marks of retailers which your piece does not fit any descriptions thereof. If you care to photograph the piece write me again and I will happily assess it.
In the mean time, or if you have no digital camera or webcam, http://www.925-1000.com is a great online resource and has forums that are safe to join to discuss your piece with others also seeking or having knowledge of makers past and present.
Best Regards
