posted on November 1, 2000 10:38:45 AM new
I found 4 of these spoons in a box in my basement. They are obviously old, but are they worth anything? The back says "Ashberry", and then "P.A. & S."
posted on November 1, 2000 11:52:05 AM new
Meya, I checked these spoons in both of Tere Hagan's books (sterling and plate), and can't find either the pattern (which I assume is the Ashberry) or the mark (P.A. & S). The hallmark is also unidentifiable...at least by me.
The simplicity of the pattern suggests it might have been privately manufactured for hotel or banquet use, and thus not something easily tracked down via standard references. Another thought...could it be of English manufacture? I don't know that Hagan's books cover anything other than U.S. makers.
posted on November 1, 2000 12:22:15 PM new
Meya, sonsie may be right; your flatware is probably English. I did a cursory search of the Internet (UK Yahoo) and learned that there is an Ashberry flatware/sterling manufacturer in Sheffield, England. To further sonsie's theory, perhaps it is a coincidence, but there is an Ashberry Hotel in Sheffield. I can't see the hallmark clearly enough in your picture to tell what it is, but there is a web page on decoding hallmarks (Sheffield is included). It is: www.collectiques.net/hallmarks/mkdecode.html. Hope this helps.
posted on November 1, 2000 12:35:37 PM new
I couldn't find that mark either. If your pictures are accurate, they look like silverplate...even possibly nickle plate on brass. Are there any worn spots where you could see the metal under the plating? Looks very yellowish on the edge of the handle on your top picture...
The style looks like a reproduction of late 18th century silver.
posted on November 2, 2000 03:45:27 PM new
Your spoons are 19th century nickel silver.
Despite the name, nickel silver contains absolutely no silver. Various alloys of copper, zinc and nickel were marketed as "nickel silver". Sometimes it's called German silver.
I have to admit I get a real giggle whenever someone lists a metal-framed purse on eBay and says "LQQK! It's STERLING from GERMANY!"
Which couldn't be further from the case.
posted on November 2, 2000 04:03:25 PM new
Thanks for all the replies. I was pretty sure they aren't silver, because of the way they look and feel, but I also know they are old.
As far as how they got into a box in my basement, , a few years ago I absorbed a bunch of stuff into my house from a couple of elderly aunts. There wasn't much of value that I am willing to sell, but there are still some items left I need to sort out. I am afraid to admit how much stuff went to the dump 6 years ago when we first cleaned out the one house. So much was ruined from water and mildew and improper storage.
, a few years ago I absorbed a bunch of stuff into my house from a couple of elderly aunts. There wasn't much of value that I am willing to sell, but there are still some items left I need to sort out. I am afraid to admit how much stuff went to the dump 6 years ago when we first cleaned out the one house. So much was ruined from water and mildew and improper storage. 