This is a miniature sterling silver overlay perfume bottle we acquired and were wondering if anyone knows the manufacturer. We believe it to be either Gorham, WM Wise & Son, or Matthews Co.
We had two additional bottles which we sold that came from the same collection. One was WM Wise & Son, whom we found to be a company linked to Gorham, and the other was by Matthews Co. Both were antique, as this is, and we are unsure on this one so we need an expert opinion.
This bottle has a floral overlay pattern and is only marked “STERLING” on one portion and “309” on another part. No hallmarks. The bottom of the bottle has a “122” apparently hand etched in small print. The other bottles were .999-1000 sterling, and we were wondering if this one may be as well.
We are open to any opinions, so have at it! And thanks a billion for the help!
Can’t help with the maker, but I can with your terminology. Sterling is, by definition, 925/1000. The phrase “.999-1000 sterling” is meaningless - maybe you meant .999-1.000 silver.
Oh alright, sorry about that inaccuracy in my description. Thanks for letting me know! I was just going by what I saw on these other two bottles from the same collection. One says 999/1000 and the other .999-1000. Pics are below.
I’m guessing this could be from the same collection as the bigger one with the 313 number on it. If so it would be Matthews & Co.
Thanks anyways folks.
Come on, when you have 925/1000 or 925/000, it means you have 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, generally copper and other less noble metals. In items with 999/1000, you have 99.9% silver, that is, pure silver. It is very rare to find items with 99.9% silver.
The style of the hallmark are very different, I think they are from different manufacturers or at least from different eras. What they have in common is the % of silver, 99.9%.