An Australian silver Royal Victorian Fusiliers presentation cup…
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An Australian silver Royal Victorian Fusiliers presentation cup and cover maker's mark H. Steiner Adelaide circa 1880, the cylindrical body with bright-cut and engraved foliate decoration beneath a domed cover surmounted by a finial cast as a soldier in period uniform bearing the inscription 'R.V.F / Presented by Doctor James to Y.P no. 1 Company / January 1882' within a shield cartouche the reverse inscribed 'Won by / private D. Beurs / March 5 & 19 1882' above a tapering stem raised on a stepped circular foot with conforming decoration gilt wash interior the cover hallmarked with a Crown H.steiner Queen Victoria monarch's head Adelaide and a lion passant additional hallmarks to the foot 312 grs. Total weight of silver. Height 29 cm. Note: listed in J.B Hawkins' publication Australian silver 1800-1900 Macarthur press Pty Ltd Sydney 1973 item 92 page 72.
hallmarks. A mark stamped on articles of precious metals in Britain, since the 14th century, certifying their purity. It derives its name from the Guild Hall of the Goldsmiths' Company, who recieved its Charter in 1327 giving it the power to assay (test the purity) and mark articles of gold and silver.
The hallmark will consist of several marks, including the:
- silver standard mark, indicating the purity of the metal. Sterling silver is .925 pure silver.
- the city mark indicating the city in which it was assayed eg London, Birmingham, York etc.
- the date mark, usually a letter of the alphabet in a particular font and case,
- a duty mark, indicating whether duty had been paid to the crown, and only in use from 1784 to 1890
The piece may include an additional mark, the maker's mark, although not forming part of the hallmark, will be located in the vicinity of the hallmarks.
Sometimes silver plated items will bear faux hallmarks, often confusing those not familiar with silver markings.
cartouche. An ornamental panel in the form of of a shield, oval or rectangular scroll with curling edges. It may be carved into the back of a chair or the top of a sideboard, or present on a piece of silver or jewellery, and contain the initials of the original owner, heraldic symbols, or some other inscription, such as the details of a presentation.
In ceramics the term defines the central area of a vase or similar with a decorative border in one of the shapes above, into which a decorative scene or figures have been painted.
engraving. The method of decorating or creating inscriptions on silver and other metal objects by marking the surface with a sharp instrument such as a diamond point or rotating cutting wheel.
finial. An architectural decoration, found on the upper parts of of an object. On furniture they are usually found on pediments, canopies and shelf supports. On smaller ceramic or silver items they may decorate the top of the item itself, or the lid or cover where they provide a useful handle for removal.
Finials follow a variety of forms. They may be urn-shaped, baluster shaped round or spiral, but usually taper into an upper point. Many real life shapes may also be used as finials, such as pineapples, berries, pinecones, buds, lotus and acorns. Sometimes animals such as a lion are depicted, or fish and dolphins.
circa. A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.
The buyers premium is an additional percentage charge on the hammer price of the item, imposed by the auction house to cover administrative costs. The buyers premium percentage varies between auction houses, with a range of 12.5% to 22%.
