Featured Lovely art nouveau something or the other !

not being a silver expert, did any 'conventions' exist at that time in the industry that would make the 800 with a B acceptable? A 'code word' for the unwary? [unless of course you have the super-secret "Bode Encyclopedia" of marks ] Or, if your prefer the 'added a bottom plate' theory, a bit of 'creative salesmanship' - a mixture of parts some true, some not?

Of course, "Britannia silver is an alloy of silver containing 11 ozt 10 dwt (i.e. 11½ troy oz.) silver in the pound troy, equivalent to 23⁄24, or 95.833% by weight (mass) silver, the rest usually being copper" so if B stood for Britannia, then that would be Sterling, and 'Houston, we have a problem.'

More illuminating confusion: "Britannia silver should be distinguished from Britannia metal, a pewter-like alloy containing no silver. ... Britannia metal (also called britannium or Britannia ware[1]) is a specific type of pewter alloy, favoured for its silvery appearance and smooth surface. The composition by weight is typically about 92% tin, 6% antimony, and 2% copper."

 

when he said rare he means they rarely used it not that its rare.
and i cannot agree that i/o in this mark is what you say

 

Not sure it is a B, looks more like an F to me. I'd have to dive in the books. (I do a lot of diving lately, don't I?)

 

Ah, we wouldn't want that now, would we.

 

this is your choice. even people with a degree from Idar-Oberstein say so. but I'm sure you have your reasons.

 

Since I only speak layman... to better understand:
Here are the agreed (?) facts:
Marked 800B or 800F or 800P
B = Britannia-metal [from the list above, diving not included]
Britannia-metal is not Britannia Silver (the former tin, the latter sterling)
Tarnishes, so looks like plate. [Edit: ahem, or, yes, real silver. See AJ post below]
So, not "B" after all?
Maybe P for "plate"? Was that a common convention?

How bout F for "fake" - couldn't fault them for that! yeah, I'm sticking with my final answer: Bode.

 

Silver tarnishes as well. 800 silver tarnishes like you wouldn't believe.
Plated would be versilbert, a V. Fake is Fälschung in German, so yes, an F.

 

how about F for foreign when exported to England ?

 

Or to the US, where Johnny lives.

 

Fascinating stuff ! Not that Im not even more confused now ! Pretty sure it is an "f" .I tried to google "800 f" but no definitive answer. I so appreciate everyones input,and even if its plated tin,I think its beautiful so no loss.

 

German Bouillon Sauce Ladle Silvergilt Marked 800F

 

How frustrating they dont have a pic of the mark ! I found a reference to 800F as possibly Frey & co but they always used a star behind the F. I appreciate your efforts very much.

 

Ok - I do not have time to read everyone's reply.

Britania is an alloy used as the base metal for plating.

I think the 800 means is it plated with 800 silver on Britania metal.

 

Sometimes on German silver the maker's mark is punched right next to the 800 mark. If that is the case here the sauce ladle and you lovely bonbon dish could be by the same maker.

 

there are a few modern items here they mark 800f
http://rozetundfischmeister.at/en/silber-home-decor/spezialanfertigungen/

 

Maybe the F stands for Fischmeister?

 

Fischmeister is located in Vienna Austria. History, in English:
http://rozetundfischmeister.at/en/geschichte/

 

She is a beauty!!!!!