Category
Silver and Silver Overlay
Medium
Silver
Distinguishing marks
800 stamp 3 other German stamps that I do not know
Size and dimensions of this item
stand almost 3 inches tall
Weight
Each weighs 3 oz
Long Description
 I was given this set of salt and pepper shakers from an elderly friend for our annual rummage sale. They are really detailed and made of sterling. I have tried to research the stamping on the bottoms. I have gathered they are from a German Silversmith. They look very similar to Berthold Muller, but on his other works his name has been stamped on the bottoms. I was curious if anyone could shed any light on these?  Thanks in advance for looking and responding.Â
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Price Paid (If known)
donation for our rummage sale
For Sale?
No
Re: Silver Bird Salt and Pepper Shaker
Technically, they are made of coin silver (80% silver), as sterling is legally defined as silver with a purity of 92.5%. Is it possible for you to photograph the stamps? Those will aid greatly in identification.
A hint for sale, sterling and coin silver sells better when the tarnish is removed, but take care not to use silver dip to remove it. Leave some of the tarnish in the crevices, as this enhances detail and is considered desirable, and don't over-polish. Wash immediately after polishing and dry thoroughly, story it in a dry place with little air flow, preferably wrapping it in anti-tarnish cloth. Also, when removing tarnish, be gentle, shakers like these tend to be fragile and can easily be dented or crumpled, especially as the rubbing process generates heat that can soften the metal.