www.925-1000.com

Hi everyone,

I'd really appreciate help in identifying the hallmarks in this tea set - especially the makers mark.

The set include a teapot, coffee pot, milk jug and sugar bowl. They all have the same marks on them.

I don't know much about hallmarks, so far I can tell its from London, Sterling Silver, and something to do with Queen Victoria.

They also have numbers on the bottom? Anyone know what they are for(pictured below)

Apologies for the shonky photos.

Hi,
Welcome to the forum.
The marks from the left:
``SS`` in an oval is the maker Stephen Smith, London,King Street.
Another ``SS`` in a rectangle was Goldsmiths Alliance (Samuel Smily), but I think your mark is an oval, so, the latter maker can be excluded.
Lion passant for sterling silver standard (.925).
Leopard`s head for London.
Date letter ``C`` for year 1878.
Queen Victoria duty mark.
Regards

Numbers indicate pattern or manufacturer`s inventory number.

What a lovely set, it is hallmarked for 1878 (the letter C in a shield), London and if that is SS for the makers mark, then I think it is by Goldsmiths Alliance Ltd (Samuel Smily), more info is available on Phil's site: http://www.silvermakersmarks.co.uk/Make ... SZ.html#SS

If I am incorrect with the maker, someone will come along with the right info.

This SS is, as AG2012 says, Stephen Smith, trading at this time as S Smith & Son (his son was also Stephen Smith), manufacturing silversmiths & electroplaters, at 35 King Street, Covent Garden, London. The firm, which dated back through various Smith dynasties to 1801, was acquired in 1886 by Mappin & Webb and eventually absorbed into M&W's business.

See also http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic ... 07#p121107.

Phil

Thanks for your help everyone. I really appreciate it.

It's a beautiful set.

(admin edit - see Posting Requirements )

Really appreciate the input! This is a totally fascinating forum!