Sheffield Silver Plated Shaker

I am not sure if that is Old Sheffield Plate or Electroplated.
What exactly is this. I see similar described as sugar shakers or muffiners ( whatever that is).
If not wrong the crossed keys were used by Early Sheffield makers. Can not tell for sure what is the other mark but it looks like crowned leopard, for made in London. Is not it there also supposed to be a makers mark? Or not necessarily?
Any tips on how to get rid of the rust and the verdigris? I am afraid if I scrub the spots too hard that may chip the silver layers.
Thanks

 

Well, not all Sheffield Plate makers used the crossed keys in shield, but Henry Wilkinson & Co did use this device as their maker's mark. But that crowned leopard disturbs me. It has no place on a piece of Sheffield Plate. And as you have already noticed, it's only valid use under the British silver marking system is in London on sterling and only for a specific period of time.

I am worried that what you may have is a "pretender." Let me do a bit more research.

 

You know I just realized that you posted this under the "general" antiques discussion rather than in the Silver section. Just for future reference.

In the meantime, this link will take you to the page of the 925 site with Henry Wilkinson and Son's mark for Sheffield Plate. One that same page you will see a link to "Introductory Text" which goes into great detail about the regulations that allowed the Sheffield Assay Office (and ONLY the Sheffield office) to register maker's marks for plated goods of this type.

There is even a penalty for the use of any mark that was otherwise in use under the assay marking system, the implication being that doing so would damage the integrity of the system.

Now, you will note in that chart of maker's marks that the Wilkinson crossed keys in shield was registered in 1836, which was 14 years after the London Assay Office replaced the crowned leopard with the uncrowned leopard as the City Mark. But I am not convinced that using a crowned leopard after 1822 would be kosher, but I would be willing to listen to AF on this subject if he happens to see this thread.

http://www.925-1000.com/silverplate__OSP10.html

You already know that you do not have a solid silver item and that the verdigris is often found where underlying copper has been exposed. But that also happens on damaged electroplated wares too, so in itself is not a guarantee that this is as old as it might appear. I would advise extreme caution before trying to "fix" this. Once the copper has been exposed, if it IS Sheffield Plate, there's nothing you can do at home to make this better on a permanent basis. Using polish to remove the greenies might make for a nicer picture, but it will just come back.

You didn't make that gouge by the marks, did you?

 

At some stage someone has tested it for silver(the V gouges and the acid mark)

I'd say it is not a British mark, no one would get away with a pre 1821 leopard's head and the marks don't have a 'British' stamp look about them, more like typical pseudo marks.
It is not rust or verdegris, just tarnish.

 

I didn't expect you so soon, AF! Thanks.

 

I think all the Brits were confident enough in their work to put their name on it too

 

Thanks for the replies.
That scratch on the bottom was already there.
So, I guess it is a 'pretender'.
The Sheffield makers used pseudo marks to imitate sterling but that was for short time before the regulation kicked in. But I don't think the pieces dates that early.
AF, what do you mean it is not verdigris? Is not that what you call the green when the copper oxidies? Or maybe use both words - verdigris patina. You are right for not being rust, that is term related to iron corrosion.

 

Looking again it does appear to have severe pitting, but it does appear to be the colour of silver sulphide or chloride not the green of copper sulphide.

Someone may have used it for salt and put it away unwashed. Some moist salt (and salt is hydroscopic) left around the holes would cause that damage in time. Even gold washed salt dispensers or cellars should be washed after use and not left with any contents.

I didn't expect you so soon, AF! Thanks.

Sometimes I'm awake in the middle of the night, waiting for the Sandman to call again.