ASCAS Association of Small Collectors of Antique Silver ASSOCIATION OF SMALL COLLECTORS OF ANTIQUE SILVER
ASCAS
 versione italiana article # 59: detail 2
by Giovanni Ciceri - www.argentinglesi.com
 
(click on photos to enlarge images)

FOOTED SALVER - CALCUTTA 1926-1937

Material: silver of 916/1000 (mainly silver and zinc alloy) or 925/000 (sterling standard
Origin: Calcutta
Period: 1926/1937
Silversmith: H & Co Ld. for Hamilton & Company Limited
Crafting method: Mainly hand made
Dimension: Height: Height: 2,5 cm; dimension 25,4 x 25,4 cm
Weight: 773 g


This salver was made in Calcutta (India) by Hamilton & Company, which was established by Robert Hamilton and others at the beginning of 19th century. Due to the fact that the British regulation on hallmarking was not in force in the British Colonies, immigrated silversmiths were use to mark the silverware with their trade mark and a series of pseudo-hallmarks similar to those used in England and Scotland for sterling silver.
Marks, struck in line on the border of the salver are: H & Co Ltd. (trade mark of Hamilton & Company Limited); an elephant, a roman capital A and the word 'silver'. These particular hallmarks were in use between 1926 and 1937.
The salver is of very good gauge and mainly hand made. It is not clear if at the date of crafting of this salver, silversmiths working in India were using the former alloy of 916/1000 purity or the sterling standard like in the U.K.
The salver has a plane and elegant art deco style, with square shape and a very simple decoration of the border. Also feet are very simple according to the art deco style.
The overall condition is very good.
- Giovanni Ciceri 2006 -
www.argentinglesi.com