New here. Please help with Identifying these Hallmarks?

Hello. I have inherited some misc silver utensils. This is one utensil with six hallmarks. After some research I beleive the crowned letter V possibly to be a mark from 1816 Kingdom of Holland? I also found a insect like design in the little circle (maybe an insect) that could be from Abberville, Jurisdicution of Amiens? Could these marks be from both Holland and France? For a novice, its a bit challenging pieces all these hallmarks together. Any and all help are appreciated!

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I need better quality picture of this mark:

Initials, “SAINT”… :face_with_monocle:

At this stage, I can make guesses similar to yours.

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HI Bart. I think this photo is better. I see IF Saint LIT? The I in what I think to be LIT could be something else….Thanks for wanting to help. Really appreciate it.

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François Saintelette, Verdun.

(I.F. = Initiales du poinçon).

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Thank you. Amazing information. I am curious about the other hallmarks… Where would you suggest I find this infomation about the other hallmarks (the little circle with what I believe to be an insect inside and the Letter H)? What would the relationship be between the 6 marks? I believe my thought on being from Holland is way off :melting_face: I can hardly believe these items are from the 1750’s! Can I clean these utensil with regular silver cleaner? Sorry if these questions show my newness to this…

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Can anyone tell me what the letter H means on this fork?

First of all, the photo is blurry. Secondly, I consider it a success to have identified the creator of the item. Thirdly, we don’t always solve the puzzle completely. Fourthly, I encourage users of this forum to work independently and expand their horizons. I hope someone else will take a closer look at this thread and solve it completely.

CB-van-Dongen-Rijkswaarborgwet-alias-Brumairewet-9-November-1797-tot-1-Januari-1853-PC-275-jumpers.pdf

In this document you will find interesting information about Francois Saintelette and his role and connection with the Netherlands.

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Hello Cori

I can see you have already received a lot of helpful feedback.

When it comes to cleaning silver, particularly antique silver, I’m sure there will be some helpful information on this forum. Personally, I use warm water with mild weak soap, soak for only around 10 minutes and then rinse with warm water. Use a soft cloth to dry. If the item decoration and silver marks are caked in old polish, I use a soft brush after soaping and then rinse, so the patina isn’t lost.

With regards the marks on your fork, I believe the following may help:

www.925-1000.com Is a great site for European silver

In addition I believe it is imported Dutch silver
Z on its own depicts 800 silver fineness
The V is the tax / duty mark and import mark
H 1842
The L with type of crown could be region- Namen or Namur
I cannot make out the symbol for the office mark

Those are my thoughts anyway. I hope the feedback gives you additional tools for your research. Good luck - Alison

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milieu du XVIIIe siècle - mid-18th century

poinçon de reconnaissance province - Verdun, V, étoile et couronne - Verdun provincial recognition hallmark - V, star and crown.

I don’t entirely agree with you, Alison.

An item made in mid-eighteenth-century France finds its way to the Netherlands, where subsequent marks are struck. Strange, but possible.

Cori, I still need a photo of the entire item, with an emphasis on fine detail. I’m intrigued by the two highlighted symbols…

ROTTERDAM GUARANTEE OFFICE:
Head inspectors:
March 1812 to November 1813: Francois Pierre Saintelette. - Dutch trail :face_with_monocle: :nerd_face: :+1:

https://www.gazette-drouot.com/en/auctions/129163--orfevrerie

Look at this: https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/collector-english-european-furniture-ceramics-silver-gold-boxes-works/pair-louis-xv-silver-candlesticks-2/159367?ldp_breadcrumb=back

Another one auction:

https://www.gazette-drouot.com/en/lots/11318934-jean-francois-sainctelet

pobrane (2)It’s impossible not to notice the similarity in the markings…

Cuillère à ragoût en argent modèle à filets. Verdun 1768, pa - Lot 262 The variations of the name are astonishing. :rofl:

And finally, the icing on the cake:

VoilĂ  !

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Hello Bart and Allison.

I really appreciate all your time and interesting discoveries. Thank you for your notes and insight. I will take another photo of the hallmarks and repost. I’m hoping for a steady hand when I take the photos…seems to be my biggest challenge.

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Cori, don’t take photos handheld. Place the object, select macro mode, take several shots, and choose the sharpest one.

I wondered if there was a trail, delayed import with later Dutch import mark?

I always think I’ve uploaded images then find I haven’t! Hey ho

These should have been in my original response. I was agreeing with you, but did wonder if there was a slight curve to the V? :slight_smile:

And the round mark could be the head under B? But definitely as you said, about Saintelette.

Sorry, taken me ages to get back, as visitors interrupted this interesting exchange. I’ve just seen your other findings :smiley:

Truly fascinating. Sorry if I’m a bit late to the findings.

Kind regards Alison

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The small flower like mark is a little worn away. The other mark looks like an animal head? Are these photos at all helpful?

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Here are the 6 hallmarks. have a couple utensils with these same hallmarks- this one is the clearest without too much erosion.

Thank you again Alison and Bart.

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I wonder if the little flower type design is the same as the image I uploaded? Also Re: the possible animal, I think it is number 9- guinea pig?

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Cori, I think U r right. Bravo! :fireworks:

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Really appreciate your time Bartholomew and Alison! Your time and the resources have been so helpful!

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