Written by the TreasureGuide for the exclusive use of treasurebeachesreport.blogspot.com.
Even if you do not plan to bid, you can still watch the auction. When it goes live, the lots go quickly.
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A couple weeks ago I started to look at some of the tableware that I've found over the years. I posted some of those and got some help with makers marks. Today I'll post one of the larger and more ornate ones I've found.
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Large Rose Pattern Ladle.
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Makers Mark.
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Looking at little closer, the marks are clearly visible.
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Closer Look At Maker's Mark.
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The makers is obviously Holmes and Edwards. I'm not sure what the other two marks are. It seems that most tableware show at least one number. I assume it is the pattern number, but don't know that.
Here is what I found.
The Holmes & Edwards Silver Co began its activity in 1882 succeeding to Rogers & Brittin. The initial business was the production of low priced plated flatware using its own blanks or simply plating blanks of other manufacturers.
The qualitative leap in Holmes & Edwards production occurred with the acquisition of the invention patents obtained by William A. Warner of Syracuse for a technique of inlaying blocks of sterling silver at the wear points on the back of spoons and forks prior to plating them.
Warner went to work for Holmes & Edwards and his patents (December 9, 1884 and March 2, 1886) brought to the firm a gold medal at the Columbian Exposition in 1893 and a prominent place in silverplate industry.
The Holmes & Edwards plant was taken over in 1898 by the International Silver Company, continuing to operate in Bridgeport until 1931 when it moved to Meriden.
In 1956 the trademark "SILVER INLAID" was changed to "HOLMES & EDWARDS DEEPSILVER" and in 1960 to "INTERNATIONAL DEEPSILVER".
Silver inlaid production was discontinued in 1972 and later marketed by Wallace International Silversmiths Inc.
I've not researched this particluar piece to the point that I can place its date.
That is a good web site that has a lot of information on maker's marks and silverware companies.
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If you hunted the Treasure Coast shipwreck beaches, there is a good chance you've found flat pieces of lead. They come in various sizes and often have nail holes. Often one side will show the imprint of a cloth weave.
Some have thought that the lead was nailed to the hull over a cloth undercoating. An article published in 2001 issue of a Fisher newsletter throws doubt on that theory.
See
Here is the link.
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Another thing you'll find is nails. An article in Historical Archaeology will help you learn about the manufacture of nails through history and identify the date of your nail finds.
Here is a very helpful table from that article.
And here is the link.
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It looks like we'll have a two to three foot surf for several days.
Happy hunting,
Treasureguide@comcast.net