I purchased a silver box with a mark which looks like “ORRSIL60”. It was listed as made by P. ORR but the listing didn’t give any more information. The box is very plain, very art-deco in style and has an inscription dated 1959. I read up on both Peter Nicholas Orr and P. Orr & Sons.
The mark looks more similar to the one used by Peter Nicholas Orr than by P. Orr & Sons on this
website. But the box itself doesn’t look like it’s from the mid 19thC. I can’t find any more modern versions of the mark by P. Orr & Sons and the material I have found all show the reference to the “…& Sons…” in the mark, which mine doesn’t have.
Has anyone seen more modern examples of the mark from P. Orr & Sons that might look like my mark? Or if there are any other suggestions, I would be very grateful. For what it’s worth, the box definitely looks & feels like silver/the real deal.
I’m not sure if this will help navigate your research. But it’s possible the silver box was made in 1960 (ORR SIL 60 = year) and perhaps later inscribed to an earlier date?
I agree, it doesn’t look earlier/1860, as the mark doesn’t look early enough, but it does look like a combination of P. Orr & Sons Orr and SIL from Silver 1860-1987.
Anyway, I hope this helps in your research. Sorry I cannot be more helpful.
Thank you both Alison & Bartholomew, there is some great new information there.
The Etsy listing matches most closely the mark I have on my box, as well as the style. But, as Alison also said, mine just doesn’t look like it’s mid-19thC (nor does the Etsy one, mind you!) The fact that other pieces were marked for the year (47 for 1947) does definitely imply that my box is from 1960. I think that’s the safest bet if I’m going to list it.
I had also read that the Orr showroom in Chennai (Madras) is a protected structure and seems to have historic significance to the city.
Thank you both so much again. I had a number of enjoyable hours browsing this forum before I even posted, it’s easy to get lost in all the great info!
