I just bought a fork from the inter net because I believed it was not as advertised but could be early. The on line photos did not tell me where the fork came from but its figural and lettered maker’s mark put the Netherlands on my short list. I looked forward to the chance of a bit of research though.
I noted that the fork’s monogram was on the back of the finial and in the case of UK spoons this often indicates an early 19th century or earlier example. My photos are below.
Now research started and the fork did not appear to be from the Netherlands. Checking on line for an A2 silver guarantee mark brought me to a reference to a gothic style “A” Belgian 900 parts silver mark and the related gothic “A2” 800 silver mark. I then reviewed 925-1000 world silver marks section again and did find a written reference to these gothic A’s in the Belgium section, without images, but indicating their use between 1868 and 1942. The A relates to Argent (silver).
Although I now think my fork is from Belgium and likely to be from the last third of the 19th century I now need to find the maker. The “H” mark does remind me of Dutch maker’s marks and is not like the French style lozenge marks so maybe the maker was from Northern Belgium but can the forum expand the on the date and maker of the fork for me.
Thanks
Fishless