Featured Lovely art nouveau something or the other !

Discussion in 'Silver' started by johnnycb09, Jun 9, 2019.

  1. Dawnno

    Dawnno Well-Known Member

    not being a silver expert, did any 'conventions' exist at that time in the industry that would make the 800 with a B acceptable? A 'code word' for the unwary? [unless of course you have the super-secret "Bode Encyclopedia" of marks ;)] Or, if your prefer the 'added a bottom plate' theory, a bit of 'creative salesmanship' - a mixture of parts some true, some not?

    Of course, "Britannia silver is an alloy of silver containing 11 ozt 10 dwt (i.e. 11½ troy oz.) silver in the pound troy, equivalent to 23⁄24, or 95.833% by weight (mass) silver, the rest usually being copper" so if B stood for Britannia, then that would be Sterling, and 'Houston, we have a problem.'

    More illuminating confusion: "Britannia silver should be distinguished from Britannia metal, a pewter-like alloy containing no silver. ... Britannia metal (also called britannium or Britannia ware[1]) is a specific type of pewter alloy, favoured for its silvery appearance and smooth surface. The composition by weight is typically about 92% tin, 6% antimony, and 2% copper."
     
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2019
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  2. alex webb

    alex webb Well-Known Member

    when he said rare he means they rarely used it not that its rare.
    and i cannot agree that i/o in this mark is what you say
    [​IMG]
     
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  3. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Not sure it is a B, looks more like an F to me. I'd have to dive in the books. (I do a lot of diving lately, don't I?)
     
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  4. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Ah, we wouldn't want that now, would we.:playful:
     
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  5. Fid

    Fid Well-Known Member

    this is your choice. even people with a degree from Idar-Oberstein say so. but I'm sure you have your reasons.
     
  6. Dawnno

    Dawnno Well-Known Member

    Since I only speak layman... to better understand:
    Here are the agreed (?) facts:
    Marked 800B or 800F or 800P
    B = Britannia-metal [from the list above, diving not included]
    Britannia-metal is not Britannia Silver (the former tin, the latter sterling)
    Tarnishes, so looks like plate. [Edit: ahem, or, yes, real silver. See AJ post below]
    So, not "B" after all?
    Maybe P for "plate"? Was that a common convention?

    How bout F for "fake" - couldn't fault them for that! ;) yeah, I'm sticking with my final answer: Bode.
     
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2019
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  7. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Silver tarnishes as well.:) 800 silver tarnishes like you wouldn't believe.:banghead:
    Plated would be versilbert, a V.:confused: Fake is Fälschung in German, so yes, an F.:wacky:
     
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  8. Fid

    Fid Well-Known Member

    how about F for foreign when exported to England ?
     
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  9. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Or to the US, where Johnny lives.
     
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  10. i need help

    i need help Moderator Moderator

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  11. johnnycb09

    johnnycb09 Well-Known Member

    Fascinating stuff ! Not that Im not even more confused now ! Pretty sure it is an "f" .I tried to google "800 f" but no definitive answer. I so appreciate everyones input,and even if its plated tin,I think its beautiful so no loss. :)
     
  12. alex webb

    alex webb Well-Known Member


    German Bouillon Sauce Ladle Silvergilt Marked 800F
     
  13. johnnycb09

    johnnycb09 Well-Known Member

    How frustrating they dont have a pic of the mark ! I found a reference to 800F as possibly Frey & co but they always used a star behind the F. I appreciate your efforts very much.
     
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  14. clutteredcloset49

    clutteredcloset49 Well-Known Member

    Ok - I do not have time to read everyone's reply.

    Britania is an alloy used as the base metal for plating.

    I think the 800 means is it plated with 800 silver on Britania metal.
     
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  15. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Sometimes on German silver the maker's mark is punched right next to the 800 mark. If that is the case here the sauce ladle and you lovely bonbon dish could be by the same maker.
     
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  16. i need help

    i need help Moderator Moderator

    Agree, it’s Beautiful! :)
     
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  17. alex webb

    alex webb Well-Known Member

  18. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

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  19. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

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  20. Marie Forjan

    Marie Forjan Well-Known Member

    She is a beauty!!!!!
     
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