Help with Marks please?

Hi. I have tried in vain to read these marks. Anybody help please?



This is not a silver hallmark so it is most likely (at best) electroplate. This particular mark is not shown in any the online electroplate databases so I can’t be sure who the manufacturer is. It may be Martin, Hall & Co of Sheffield, prolific electroplate and sterling producers. However the form of the MH mark matches exactly with a mark registered for sterling by the London silversmith Metcalf Hopgood. If it is him then your pieces probably date from around 1850-1860. Silversmiths often also produced electroplate as a more affordable alternative to sterling.

Phil