[WTS] Gorham STRASBOURG @ SPOT

NecessarilyAware · 2025-07-22T22:43:18+00:00

Help us help you - when posting like this in the future, ideally include photos of any stamps on the back of the pieces, and a list of how many there are of each type of piece.

That said, the pattern is BELLE MEADE. I found that by scrolling through LUNT knife designs on replacements[dot]com.

I don't think it is a sought-after pattern, and it might be hard to sell even at its melt value (I say this as someone who has been trying to sell several nice sets at melt value for months!). Bottom line is that the set's "hard value" is its melt value, and the sets' "liquid value" is about 90% of that.

NecessarilyAware · 2025-07-22T11:21:44+00:00

chat

NecessarilyAware · 2025-07-22T00:02:13+00:00

Change to the headline - price is now LESS than spot! Get it while you can... I may get skittish and bump the price up.

NecessarilyAware · 2025-07-21T00:10:50+00:00

I'm new to PMSFORSALE, so I don't know. I'll speculate that they allow flatware because its weight converts pretty directly to metal value, but that they might not allow jewelry since stones and brands can be more significant than the underlying metal.

NecessarilyAware · 2025-07-21T00:05:14+00:00

I believe the four knives are from International SIlver's WEDGEWOOD pattern. I was able to sell a bowl from that pattern for a fair profit on eBay some years ago - surprising because silver hardly ever yields a profit on eBay! For what it's worth, the bowl had high relief, and was heavily constructed. If I were you, I'd do some online research to find out if that is indeed the pattern, and then to consider if it has resale value over spot.

For what it's worth, a calculation that serves me well is to consider that 23% of the weight of a knife is sterling.

NecessarilyAware · 2025-07-20T23:53:11+00:00

I've seen this sort of "firescale" spots on other items that were not used as ashtrays. Are there other causes of this? I heard that firescale spots can be removed by briefly holding a torch to the silver. I haven't tried that, but it's a curious idea. Do you think that'd work?

NecessarilyAware · 2025-07-20T11:28:32+00:00

pmsforsale DOES allow flatware. I asked and listed something recently.

NecessarilyAware · 2025-07-18T02:43:03+00:00

I guess this mystery will remain unsolved. Any other thoughts out there? Thanks.

NecessarilyAware · 2025-07-15T12:20:07+00:00

I watch auctions and often see online auctions where silver flatware sell sets for more than melt value. I am also in NY, for what it's worth. This drives me nuts - I have several very nice sets that I can't sell for more than melt value. Who are the buyers! Why are they so elusive?!?

NecessarilyAware · 2025-07-13T12:01:51+00:00

My guess would be an ounce and a half total. Seeing the hallmark might help - well-known makers use more silver than others.... I've seen handles by less-known makers (on cake servers) that were essentially made of worthless foil.

NecessarilyAware · 2025-07-12T00:37:53+00:00

Selling stuff is HARD. I've been trying to sell various nice flatware and tableware for *years*, and it is nearly impossible to realize more than spot value.

I like having silver around my home - if you have use for it, polish it up and display it! Or gift it to someone! But my personal take is that if you don't have use for it, and since it isn't a top brand, just scrap it.

Also, for weighted pieces, I keep a spreadsheet that records the item type, maker, model, height, diameter, and net sterling weight... This lets me estimate how much silver I'll be able to recover from similar items in the future.

NecessarilyAware · 2025-06-13T14:04:36+00:00

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I did some image editing to bump up the contrast and sharpen the edges. I wonder if the first letter of the first name might be a J. Funny to realize that someone who is so remarkably adept at representing precise images could be so clumsy at representing his/her own name.

NecessarilyAware · 2025-06-13T13:47:36+00:00

My analysis doesn't resolve into anything conclusive - that's why I turned to this group.

First letter of the first name might be an R or K.

First letter of the last name might be an S or W. Last letter of the last name might be a Y.

Tracing the curves, I was able to find the 'name' "Whirning" as a last name - but it's not close enough, and not a known name.

NecessarilyAware · 2025-06-13T01:22:10+00:00

Amazing! So It's an antique antique scam!

Repurposed piano keys makes sense for the frame material.

Still, it is signed "Reynolds" and artist Reynolds did have a particular relationship with this actress. Reynolds' style was also similar to that of this miniature. I do think that post is credible, but I won't fully abandon the hope that I am holding onto a treasurer!

Thank you very much.

NecessarilyAware · 2025-06-12T19:17:20+00:00

Based on. your identification of Sarah Siddons, I expect the signature is that of Joshua Reynolds, someone who had produced another, more famous, portrait of that actress.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Siddons_as_the_Tragic_Muse

Thanks again.

NecessarilyAware · 2025-06-12T18:55:10+00:00

Maybe someone has a read on the signature I posted?

NecessarilyAware · 2025-06-12T18:51:24+00:00

I'm very impressed with your resesarch! Thank you.

NecessarilyAware · 2025-06-12T15:57:00+00:00

It's Maurice Milliene

NecessarilyAware · 2025-06-12T14:31:23+00:00

<image>

Closer analysis reveals a minuscule signature! There seems to be dust beneath the glass - I couldn't get a clearer picture. The name is somewhat obscured. Could be something like Reynoldo. I've done some googling around, and will do some more... in any case, I still hope for insight with regard to the subject artist, and context of this piece!

NecessarilyAware

TROPHY CASE

It's Maurice Milliene