I am seeking to understand if the handles of a dessert set that I own, which uses a pistol handle design, are likely to consist of sterling silver. Pictures below. Due to being located outside the UK I am not currently able to physically inspect this set myself and see if there is a Lion Passant hallmark on them.
When I uploaded a photo to Google image search, the result was that usually the handles are sterling 92.5% silver while the blades are either silver plated or stainless steel. The knife blades in my set are clearly marked with the maker name Peter Mitchell and ‘Stainless Steel’.
Anyone able to confirm from the photos what the handles are made from?
I have another question: If they are sterling silver, how best to get an approximation of the actual combined weight of the handles? Get total weight and subtract a percentage for the silver plate and stainless steel - if so any ideas about what percentage to use?!
Following in the footsteps of my wonderful predecessor, the signs of the lion and the letter corresponding to the year’s date. Take a better quality photo (focus and macro mode).
Hi Jools, Thanks for the response.
If only I was in England, I would access the box with these items in them and take better pictures, also use my photography magnifier which works really well to see the hallmarks. But I am far away in Mexico!
I was hoping people may know this type of production and its norms. What is strange to me is that there are only two hallmarks visible in the photo I shot in 2016. I could only assume that if the handles really are made of sterling silver, two other hallmarks were placed on the other side of the fork or knife. TBD!
Thank you Bartholomew - I will try to get better pictures taken by my brother or his wife but it is not very convenient for them as everything is packed up in boxes in their garden ‘shed’. Or what used to be an artist’s studio. Otherwise achieving decent pictures may have to wait until my visit next year to England.
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