teaspoon
sterling silver teaspoon maybe 5-6" long has markings on the handle that say B + R in a rectangle, then a symbol that looks like a wreath, then the word or name that says MORAGAS in a rectangle. these are from my grandmother and were given to her as a wedding gift I think about 1915. She lived in New Orleans, LA
mother
Inherited
No
here are pictures
Please add a more clear, in-focus, extreme close-up of the hallmarks stamped on the backside of the spoon handle.
I don't have a clearer image. Replacements sent me an email that said the first rectangle reading left to right contains the initials B + R. The second mark is round and has a wreath that is open at the top with things coming out the top. The 3rd is a rectangle with the word or name Moragras
I have added a new picture taken from a different camera. The center mark is a little clearer and I think you can see that it is like an open ended wreath with something coming out of the top. To the left are the letters B + R, and to the right. the word or name Moragas.
"The piece did not have sterling or 925 but it tested to be sterling." This is from Replacements - they are repairing one of the spoons. I'm not particularly interested in the value. I'm interested in knowing who was the silversmith ""B+R" and who is Moragas. The date on the spoon. the country it was made in...that kind of thing.
I will be happy to try help with that information upon seeing clear, in-focus, extreme close-ups of the marks.
Who, or where is B and R. It’s been suggested that it is a location as to where the spoon was made. What is the symbol that separates them. A lamp?, a chalice? What is it and how is that significant?
It has been suggested that the hallmark in the middle is a wreath with a pineapple in it. Also maybe it is not a pineapple, but rather a pommegranite. Recently, somebody suggested that it is a thistle which would be indicative of Scottish (Edinborough) silver. What exactly is it and how does it contribute to identifying the maker.
Lastly, who is Moragas? I assume he is the silversmnith. My guess is if we can figure out who that is, all the other answers would be easy.
One person suggested that the spoon dates from 1780 – 1820 because of its shape.
I still need to fill in a lot of blanks.
Nora,
Thank you for your email. In fact I think I have found the assayers mark on the Spoon - it is B y R the initials for Baixeras y Rosales. (Brower and Rusher have an ampersand, not a y) The spoon is from Barcelona and I am still trying to find the silversmith "J Moragas" I believe the hall mark is that of a pomegranate - an important symbol in Spanish silver. The other may be a crest - I do not believe that it is a thistle as that symbol has more barbs, representing the thorniness of the flower. Any help you can be with identifying who J Moragas was is appreciated. It is also not coin siver as it was already tested to be steerling, and one person suggested that it may be as high as 95
5 silver as it was very soft. I suggest you go to the website Platería it is all in Spanish but if you look at the aassayers marks collection, you will see B yR
Please add images at your convenience.