Identify Lobster Fork

[elke standifur]

I can't find the maker of this lobster fork, please help me in identifying it. The fork has good weight to it and a very fine design. It is 800 silver. Thank You.

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[dognose]

Hi.

Welcome to the Forum.

The marks question needs to be answered by someone better qualified in Austrian hallmarks than me.

I say Austria because the smallest mark I believe is an Austrian export mark used in the 1920's and the mark above, I am wondering, could that be the four-leafed clover mark of Alexander Strum? Or am I shooting in the dark?

Hopefully someone will confirm/deny.

Trev.

[Bahner]

Hello, yeah, that' it: Alexander Sturm from Vienna plus export mark used 1921-1926. Best wishes, Bahner

[elke standifur]

Thank you so very much. I have actually tried hard to find the mark by myself. Now I know where to start additional research. I have learned a multitude of different steps by getting this request posted. Again, you have my gratitude!

[silverfan]

I suppose the original pattern was created by Koch & Bergfeld, Bremen in ca. 1890. It was made in Russia too. The still existing company Koch & Bergfeld founded 1829 always produces that pattern (called Sophie) under No. 20100 and you can find it under http://www.kochberg.de" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; in the "Preisliste" under "Preisgruppe 4".
Regards silverfan

[dognose]

Hi,

A bit more info on Alexander Strum.

Alexander Strum (I) was born in Vienna on 6th May 1851. He was awarded the right to trade on his own account as from 1882, his factory was located at Vienna-Neubau.
He was joined in 1908 by his sons, Alexander (2), born 23th December 1875 in Vienna and Adalbert, born 24th April 1877 also in Vienna.
Alexander (1) died 28th September 1915 and the two sons assumed control of the business. Adalbert died in 1931 and Alexander (2) in 1949.

Trev.