The depth of knowledge on this board never ceases to amaze, so I thought I'd chuck this out there and see if anyone can offer some insight. After a wasted two hours searching the web, I've come up with zilch.

This thing, which I presume is a champagne bucket, is 24" tall and husky. Anyone know what those marks mean? I suspected it stood for Reed & Barton, but can't find anything like this mark in the online galleries to verify that.

How does one tell if it is silver or silverplate? I tried the usual methods prescribed on silver websites, but I'm getting nowhere.

Thanks in advance S&W Forum -- the best site on the 'net!

i can't find anything but this which is unconfirmed but gives you a starting point. good hunting!

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I used to be disgusted..

There are books on the subject. The problem being there have been so many silversmiths over the centuries that the book of just early American ones is pretty thick.

The rule to follow is that if its not marked sterling or 925 or 950, its just assumed to be silverplate. Those who made items out of sterling were proud of the fact, and they clearly marked it. In old England, misrepresenting sterling was a hanging offense.

In most large cities there are people who specialize in repairing silver items. Those are the places to go for an opinion. I'd stay away from most antique shops. They'll tell you its junk and want to rob you.

Don't be too upset if its silverplate. Some is worth more than sterling. But only if its handmade and well done. I've personally only bought sterling items because the fallback position is its at least worth its weight.

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Dick Burg

Looks like it was made in Germany

English silver has a Lion in the mark


http://snyderstreasures.com/pages/hotel.htm

http://www.silvercollection.it/ASCASBOHRMANN.html

Scanning down in the link Pop's2 privdes, there's the bucket! Dimensions are identical. Too bad mine didn't belong to Hitler like that one -- big bucks.

Clearly what I've got here is a piece of silverplated hotelware / shipware made by Hepp Bros of Germany.

The R.A.B. part is still a bit of a mystery -- wuluf's link speaks of the Nympehnburg marks and the twin-tailed mermaid but nothing conclusive.

Thanks all, much appreciated!

I didn't read the title very carefully and clicked on this thread expecting to see whiskey.

The RAB mark may just be the commercial logo of the establishment that purchased the piece, and hundreds of other . Like a Hotel, or Resort type of place.
There's an Island of Rab in the Adriatic. High class tourist spot. Maybe something from there. Probably should be solid silver if it is!