Need help with an ID

[jmastny78]

I found this "utensil" handle the other day and just noticed that it has some hallmarks on it. It seems to be made of copper or brass. I've tried locating some info but am striking out. Anyone have some ideas or possibly direct me somewhere that would? Thanks ahead of time!

 

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[hbeaton]

You're in luck I think as there was a similar discussion on this exact type of mark a few years back on TNET. It appears to be nickle silver from the late 1800s/early 1900s (1896) and the"hallmark" that was placed on on it was in reality a false one as a.) there is no silver in nickle silver and b) whoever made the item used a silver hallmark to pass off an item as silver (as it was new it probably "passed" as silver to the untrained eye and, in turn, the wallet). A "pretender" piece as TNET member Crusader called it at the time. The company hallmark HF belonged to Rowlands and Frazer it looks like.

I have included that TNET thread here:

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/243490-hallmark-spoon.html

hope this helps you a bit.

 

[jmastny78]

That's hilarious! It's an exact match. Thanks for the info!

 

[CRUSADER]

Correct a hallmark is only a term used on previous metal. This one was probably plated at one point & the manufacturers were making it look better than it really was.