Learning the ropes

Hi folks

I’ve reached a point in my life where I can indulge myself and I would like to purchase some nice silver pieces. I’m interested in the Victorian era as I live in a Victorian house.

Please humour me if my question is silly, I’m very green about this and have joined the forum to be educated before I dare to buy.

Q: I’ve seen a nice Victorian bowl which the dealer says is JD & Son and it has the 1887 mark on it but no bugle. Should it have the bugle on it? Also hallmark is on the side with nothing on the base, is this normal?

Thanking you in anticipation

If your dealer is talking about a bugle in relation to JD & Son then the JD & Son are James Dixon & Son. It is certainly normal for there to be no bugle on Dixons’ sterling - they normally used it on silver plate though. The location of the hallmarks is also normal.

Thank you so much for your reassurance. I’m going to attempt my first purchase now, wish me luck!