I have an odd set of silver-plated coffee service. The pieces are stamped by two different manufacturers. The service was given as a prize for best farm in Knox County, Illinois. The engraving on the coffer pot reads,

"Table Sett Awarded by the Illinois State Agricultural Society to Mrs. A. N. Phelps 1871."

The pieces are silverplated. The base metal appears to be nickel and lead, as it is visible on a couple of pieces where the silver plate has worn away.

The engraving says 1871. The mark has the number "1881" which I understand to be the style number. The two marks are:

"Quadruple Plate Wilcox Silver Plate Co. 1881 W" encircling crossed hammers

"New Haven Conn. Rogers Smith & Co. 1881"

The are of slightly varying styles, and appear to be from two manufacturers, as indicated by the marks.



Each piece is engraved with a vine or ivy motif. The tops of the handles and legs are decorated with what appears to be an Indian-head. The pieces are, from left to right in the picture on the page linked above:

A large bowl 8" high and 10" across. This bowl is different from the others in that there is no vine design on the bowl, and the lid is engraved with clusters of leaves. The side of the bowl has what appears to be a holder for the lid.

A sugar bowl, 4 1/2" by 7"

The coffee pot, 15" tall, 11 1/2" across, with a spigot and kerosene warmer

A creamer, 4 1/2" by 7", with a hinged lid

A small bowl, 6" tall and 5" across, with a lid and handles

A matching small bowl 6" tall and 5" across
A medium bowl 7" high and 9" across, with a lid and handles

How might I get something unusual like this properly appraised?

The coffee service has seven pieces. For more information, see my web site:

http://family.phelpsinc.com/phelpsfam/silver_service.htm