Featured 1kg of sterling

Hello all. Things have been very quiet the last two weeks so i was glad to come across this medium sized hoard. Apologies for the poor photos i am too tired after polishing to set things up.

Up top are a pair of bowls from Black Starr & Frost. I dont know anything about US silver but the eBay search results are promising.

Next is a fairly heavy toast rack; Sheffield 1933, next to a small cruet set. Two bread forks with ivory handles, a small tankard, five teaspoons, two sugar tongs and a small weighted bowl.

Total paid was £170 so a good result.

 

Love the bread forks!

 

"cruet set?" Do you mean the tiny shakers and the cellar next to them?

 

Also maybe someone can help with the hallmarks on the larger bread fork?

 

Yes, i am probably misusing the term.

 

Is there a monarch's head duty mark anywhere on the fork? I'm having trouble interpreting what I assume is the date letter to the right of the lion passant. Looks like either a V or an X.

 

What are the other marks on the BSF bowls?

See their info entry on this page - https://www.sterlingflatwarefashions.com/Silversmiths/SSB7.html

 

It has the Eagle, or whatever bird that is on the webpage, along with the word STERLING and the number 1, all impressed in the same way.

 

LOVE the bowls and carving set. Those would be keepers for sure.

 

Maybe the date letter is Y, in 1891. No duty mark required. http://www.silvermakersmarks.co.uk/Dates/Sheffield/Cycle 1868-1892.html

 

Oh i think i have got it-found a clearer hallmark on the collar. Sheffield, date letter Y for 1891, HH probably for Harrison Brothers & Howson.

 

I was just coming back with the Harrison mark!

http://www.silvermakersmarks.co.uk/Makers/Sheffield-H.html#HH

 

You're too good.

 

I'm guessing the tines of those forks are probably electroplated nickel though, right? Just the collars and pommels are sterling?

 

To look at they appear to be sterling as well. Plenty of signs or wear and use but none of the discolouration you get on worn plating. I have also seen sterling hallmarks on the prongs of other bread forks, but i will reserve judgment til i have tested it.

 

Hi,
I have always used sterling toast racks on my desk as mail dividers.
greg

 

Well you just inspired me to get off my butt and test my own (unmarked) fork - not sure if it's a bread fork, always thought it was a carving fork ..6" long/90g ..but anyway, glad I did, looks like it could be silver.

Anyone recognize the pattern/maker?

 

No idea, but it does look like a carving fork. That would hold a roast in place all right!

As for Black, Starr & Frost .... @Ratsy Brown you lucky duck! They've been in business since 1810. https://blackstarrfrost.com/timeline-2/

 

Yes, that one is a carving implement - for holding the meat in place.