Featured Martin Hall & Co Identification

Hi all,


My second post here... although the first in the Silver forum. I'm a newbie and so at this point, I'm clueless on every item I pick-up! But I do enjoy the researching process.

Photo's below.


Here what I know about this item:


Made by Martin Hall & Co, sometime between 1854-1866 (that’s the period they used a shield)


Here's what I don't know or would love it if you could confirm:

• Does the 'S' on the right-hand side denote 'Sheffield' ?
• Does the 'P' at the top indicate the year (c 1858)?
• Is it silver-plate (because it doesn't carry a sterling silver hallmark)?
• I don't think it's 'Martinoid' or electro-plate, because it would carry a stamp indicating that?
• Is it a milk jug, a tea pot (originally part of a set)..or none of these?
• Is the '9348' number just an in-house serial number?
• I don't know what the further most left or bottom symbols are?
• Lastly, I've done quite an extensive ebay search of current and completed listings and couldn't find an identical piece. So how do you measure the rarity or value of an item?

Thank you so much for any clarifications.

Cheers,
Patrick

 

it's very handsome....worthy of shelf space....but not sterling.

 

When I see a P and an S on a silver item I think of EPNS, electro plated nickel silver. So the other letters might be an E and an N? It’s hard to tell what letters they are but the P and the S are clear.

 

Yea, I think you're right. The way they are layed out fooled me, but I found a clearer EPNS stamp using the same symbols here (3rd image down):
http://www.silvercollection.it/dictionaryEPNS.html




So is it a milk jug, a tea pot (originally part of a set)..or none of these? Is the '9348' number just an factory serial number?

Thanks,
Patrick

• 
  
  

 

maybe a claret jug...

 

The number on the bottom is just the manufacturer's design number.

 

It's not a teapot - it doesn't have a spout.
It's a pitcher for something.

If you gave a size or how much it holds, I missed it.

Could be part of a set. Could be it was sold by itself.

You mark is an electroplate mark
http://www.silvercollection.it/ENGLAMARTINHALL.html

 

your photos are excellent Patrick

 

Thank you!! I do put a lot of effort into my photo's, so that means a lot. And thanks to everyone else.

'I need help', I did see the Christopher Dresser / Martin Hall jug on ebay - I couldn't believe the price he was asking, £399 !

I noticed the design number on that one is 9126, whereas mine is 9348. Maybe Martin Hall adapted the Christopher Dresser design shortly after? I acually prefer the simpler design, without the 'green man' on the front.

I found the same Christopher Dresser design on ebay that sold for £130 and a more intricate silver plated kettle which sold for £195.

Mine is a bit smaller:

Height: 14cm
Widest point across: 8.5cm
Top width (mouth): 5.5cm
Weight: 251g (0.25 kg)

Cheers,
Patrick

 

If google conversion is correct:

14 cm equals approx 5 1/2 inches.
I think it is a creamer. So yes it could be part of a set.

 

Hi,
The letters are “E P G S”, denoting Electro Plated German Silver. Your date range is correct, since there is no “Ltd” or “Ld” marked after “Co” in the shield. The number is the serial #. Your ovoid pitcher resembles a “Wine Ewer”, it is of Doric style, designed by Christoper Dresser.
Even though it is without the Bacchus bearded man typical of his ewers this can be valued from $100-$4,000 without question. You should have it appraised, the filigree is unusual.

 

I don’t know the answers to any of your questions but whatever it is, it’s lovely. Welcome aboard!