*wiping tear from eye*
ahhhhh Sheffield what a lovely place
*looking at the 'made in sheffield' stamp on my arse*

Sharni babes here's a couple of links for you to take a look at

http://www.assayoffice.co.uk/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/antiques/

I might have to keep looking it's got me interested :D

an extra bit babes you might want to expand your search for something called - britannia metal

What is "Britannia Metal" ?
Britannia metal is another name for pewter in its modern lead-free formulation, usually 91% tin, 7.5% antimony, 1.5% copper.

hehehe I'm gonna keep looking I love antiques !
xx

Awww babes....you are an antique anorak! Lol

No wonder I love you! x

Sharni - it's gorgeous and I know nothing about antiques so all I'll say is that if it was made in Sheffield then it's worth hanging on to - eh Fussy?! ;)

Do we detect a touch of local bias Loulabelle?

Hmmmm? Wish I could help Shar. That piece is beautiful! Only thing I could suggest is to go to a bookstore or library and check the books on antiques. I used have a book called Trash or Treasure (not that this piece would be trash....even if it weren't a pricey antique) but I can't remember the publishing co. nor can I remember the author(s). I lent it to mom-in-law and haven't had it returned as yet. It listed antiques and collectibles and gives you names and adresses and phone numbers of collectors and appraisers who would tell you what you had and give you an appraisal and even offer to buy it, should you be so inclined. Try the library or a bookstore or even in the phone book.....look for appraisers. Ebay could also be of help......I've found some things similar to hubbies grandfather and great grandfather's belongings being sold on there. Sorry I couldn't help further!

oooooooooo I've found something else that might be interesting

"Britannia"
This mark was introduced in 1697 for silver of the new higher standard [95.8%]. Between 1697 and 1720, this was the only permissible standard for silver in England. From the re-introduction of Sterling Standard in 1720 both standards have been available. Little was produced using Britannia Standard between the 1730s and the late 19th.century. The earliest use of Britannia Standard in Edinburgh is 1846.

I got it wrong when I suggested the mark might mean it's Britania Metal!

hehehe thank you Lou babes I love you too !!! *smoooooooch*

OK OK I know I'm back AGAIN! Am I annoying anyone yet ? Well tuff titties !

I found this little piece of Philip Ashberry & Sons work

http://pages.anticusantiques.com/28...1920558298.html

This little beauty has the silver plate pealing off and it's still worth almost $200 (US Dollars) !!

Not annoying at all FussyPucker,,,, very interesting stuff.

I know who to call if I ever inherit anything... lol

Teddy :D :D

Just when you thought this thread was dead I'm here to bring it back lol

Digging a little more as I have been on and off while I've had no work to do hehehe I love my new job !

I think Philip Ashberry & Sons was based in Copper Street Sheffield.......I might have a wander down there next time I'm in the area :) no great news but still 'interesting' :D

I aint stopping 'til I find what I'm looking for !!!

ahhhh that does sound more like it, I have seen a couple of Philip Ashberry biscuit barrels.

I also had a wander down to Copper Street but I didn't find anything that mentioned Philip Ashberry :( There is a silverwear place on the street but it's not them.