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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;buyingtime777, post: 279043, member: 188&quot;]I think it is likely early American before purity marks were required from a small maker who&#039;s name and identity have been lost over the years. </p><p><br /></p><p>I have extensive history in researching and understanding early American silver pocket watch cases. There is often little or nothing known about the company who&#039;s marks they bear. The major watch company&#039;s records were saved but there were many small silversmiths making cases and a slew of other items and their records and names are long lost. </p><p><br /></p><p>Many early silver cases were made by simply melting silver coins, thus the coin silver moniker, resulting in about 80% purity. There are a few makers who I know were using a higher grade although it is not marked. The difference is obvious when cleaning and polishing the cases. One in particular with the mark F&amp;B is always a delight and is a very high quality of silver, I am sure of sterling purity. </p><p><br /></p><p>Watch cases are a study in themselves BTW. Before the marks became regulated often they were marked to be somewhat deceptive to the common buyer, some more then others. Never assume you are buying an early gold cased pocket watch unless you are well versed in the marks. For example &quot;Warranted 14k&quot; means gold filled. That upsets a lot of people still...</p><p><br /></p><p>If you have polished a lot of fine sterling silver pieces you will likely know when you polish this if it is coin grade or Sterling grade in my experience.</p><p><br /></p><p>It is a lovely piece BTW![/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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