Can Anybody Help with Spain Mark

I can't find much info for Spain marks. Can anyone help?
The word Spain is clear, but the other mark is pretty worn. I think I see a hand holding a hatchet or ax, maybe?

Thanks!

 

The hammer mark certainly looks like Israel Freeman & Son of Sheffield mark. Usually their markings also include "IFS LTD" mark. Here are a couple of examples:

The bottom pic/thumbnail:
http://www.tias.com/10782/PictPage/3923898032.html

Pic of mark in 3rd message down:
http://www.silver-collector.com/topic204.html

Scroll to about the 6th group of pics, Freeman:
http://www.silvercollection.it/electroplatesilverFdue.html

I can find no connection for Freeman and Spain; however, did find this closed auction for a silver pie server that is marked with "Spain," the hammer in hand mark, and "Freeman." Really look yours over for the word "Freeman." The hammer mark is on the back of the spade while "Freeman" appears to be on the back of the handle. The 4th thumbnail is a pic of the hammer and can see "eeman" on the handle. Their is no pic of the word "Spain." The seller speculates the maker was Israel Freeman & Son, but noted the lack of the "IFS" mark. No explanation was given for "Spain."

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Freeman-Silver-Pie-cake-server-knife-Hand-holding-hammer-Spain-88-grams-/321797457421?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aec9f860d&nma=true&si=%2F7vKWUJ4932E4vXXCHDoX1Wv%2F3I%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

--- Susan

 

Just noticed your scissors are the same pattern as the silver pie server!!

--- Susan

 

Hi Susan. Sorry for my late reply, but Thank You for your great answer! I never thought to check ebay.

You're definitely right about the mark looking like that of Israel Freeman. I've checked again, but I see no other marks. And I've searched everything I can think of using Israel Freeman, trying to find another pair of these online, but nothing.

To confuse the issue more, when I took these out today (in the daylight), the color really stood out. I took another picture with a known silver item for comparison. I don't think the color is due to plate ware, for what it's worth. They were completely tarnished when I got them, but since they're not marked as silver or silverplate, any new thoughts on what these might be made of? I couldn't find info on the extent of what Israel Freeman did ~ assuming he is the maker.

Thanks,
debbie

 

>... never thought to check ebay.<

It would be nearly impossible to have found it on Bay without knowing the maker's name first.

>... but since they're not marked as silver or silverplate, any new thoughts on what these might be made of?<

I do think silverplate with the silverplate worn off the base metal. Lots of silverplate isn't stamped. Do wait for others to chime in.

>I couldn't find info on the extent of what Israel Freeman did ~ assuming he is the maker.<

I don't know anything much about Freeman either; however, have found several shears, scissors, made by that company. I think?? yours are pruning shears used by m'lady. Here are links to ornate grape decorated shears by Freeman.

https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/d...le-sterling-silver-grape-shears/id-f_2701173/

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Ste...y-Israel-Freeman-London-England-/350653914042

http://www.rubylane.com/item/509985-001969/English-Sterling-Figural-Grape-Shears

--- Susan

 

Exactly Susan! That was definitely the reason I didn't check eBay

Considering the potential value of this piece, I think we've spent enough time on it. Thanks so much for your help!!