Is this silver? Need help with hallmarks...

Gridwalker306 · Jan 20, 2013

I came upon this little spoon, I think it's silver. I can't seem to find any info about it or the hallmarks on it. Any thoughts?

Frankyg · Jan 20, 2013

The hallmarks are not British or Irish but they look like silver hallmarks, possibly German. I don't know much about European hallmarks so can't help there. The top hallmark appears to have writing in it which makes me suspicious because some early plated silver used to have markings added that look like hallmarks to make the item look like solid silver. having said that, they look like genuine hallmarks to me.

Joseph Gilbert · Jan 20, 2013

Frankyg said:
The hallmarks are not British or Irish but they look like silver hallmarks, possibly German. I don't know much about European hallmarks so can't help there. The top hallmark appears to have writing in it which makes me suspicious because some early plated silver used to have markings added that look like hallmarks to make the item look like solid silver. having said that, they look like genuine hallmarks to me.

To me they look like Kaufman Bro's and Bondi New York city around 1908

Bigcypresshunter · Jan 20, 2013

Frankyg said:
The hallmarks are not British or Irish but they look like silver hallmarks, possibly German. I don't know much about European hallmarks so can't help there. The top hallmark appears to have writing in it which makes me suspicious because some early plated silver used to have markings added that look like hallmarks to make the item look like solid silver. having said that, they look like genuine hallmarks to me.

I agree. My first guess is psuedo hallmarks. In others words fake hallmarks meant to decieve. Thats my very quick first impression.

Gridwalker306 · Jan 22, 2013

Thanks for the responses, although I'm still lost as to what the marks mean lol.

I can't find any info on Kaufman bros or Bondi. I am curious about doing silversmithing and making my own jewelry, maybe I should just do a silver test on the spoon. I have a lot of scrap silver I am interested in melting down.