Featured Does anyone recognize this Tiffany & Co. pattern or mark?

This fork and two more like it are available for sale locally. Seller has said he contacted an auction house and that they told him they were circa 1850. I don’t see this pattern on a site that seems to have a comprehensive listing. Also checked eBay and I don’t see another like it. Could be I’m missing it. I also don’t see this simple mark in use at anytime. They all seem to have more going on. I don’t know Tiffany very well but the mark doesn’t seem right. They look like nice forks but are they made by Tiffany & Co. and if so when? If Tiffany, are they sterling, coin, or not silver? Hoping someone here can help on this one!

 

I can't find it either. And as you already suspect the mark is not correct, IMHO.

 

Part of the issue is that Tiffany did not make their own flatware until the late 1860's. So this pattern if retailed by them, might have been made by another smith or firm.

https://www.925-1000.com/patterns_Tiffany.html

 

Perhaps it is Tiffany, but silver plate?

This item, tho not the same pattern, seems to have a similar mark:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/112038...iffany+silver+plate&ref=sr_gallery-1-18&frs=1

 

I definitely considered plate was a distinct possibility with the lack of a silver mark, good call. I don’t know how much silver plate they did but I know they definitely did some. I actually have a silver plated pocket mirror made by them but much more modern. I actually can’t make out the mark on that link.

 

Great point. I was guessing they probably had the era wrong. This would explain not finding the pattern but probably not the T&C mark being wonky right?

 

Without purity and pattern markings, I would think this mark is more of a "retailer's notation" instead of a maker's mark. From what my eyesight (not the best) is telling me, this font is very similar, if not identical, to some early Tiffany marks.

 

I’m thinking your probably right. I guess my next question is do they hold any real value if only retailed by T&C and not manufactured by them? I guess if they truly are from that era it could be of interest to collectors? Guy is asking $150 for three which I wouldn’t pay even if they were easily identified as being T&C and marked sterling, unless it was a rare pattern.

 

they hold value to the seller....if someone shells out the $150.....

 

While I do think they have collector (possibly even replacement) value, I personally would not pay more than $10 (absolute max) per item, with the intention of turning them over SOMEDAY - as in long tail - at approx $25 per.

That is from experience - experience gained some years ago - the market may have changed.

 

That $150 for 3 price must assume that the name justifies way more than scrap value. It might add a small amount, but not that much - at least too me.

I checked the usual list of Tiffany-supplier suspects and did not find this design for any of them. It may be that it was never patented or listed in any catalog.

 

Thanks for checking, very kind of you. I suspect the seller just happened upon these. He doesn’t seem to be a collector or informed reseller. Probably just saw some T&C sell for around that on eBay and randomly picked a price. I wouldn’t pay near that much even if they were silver either. They weigh eight standard ounces total and I planned to offer under melt to play it safe. Since I’m pretty unsure they are silver at this point I would probably stick more in the region the above commenter mentioned which I assume the seller wouldn’t be inclined to take. The right T&C pieces of flatware to seem to command a good premium over scrap as far as I can tell. I’ve picked up a few at good prices when I can but haven’t sold any yet.

 

Your opinion based on actual experience is appreciated! I almost never expect a quick flip. Gives me time to enjoy having an object.

 

A few moments ago I stated nearly the same sentiment - I list it and then continue to live with it. If and when it sells really make no matter!

 

JMHO. so many unknown AND LOCAL sub-contractors working for Tiffany. worldwide and unknown. not worth the risk when simply stamped as here.