✅ SOLVED Ornate utensil handle?

[WHADIFIND]

I think that's what this is but what I'm unsure about is the color. Does silver turn whitish after being in the ground a really long time?

This tests as silver but I'm no expert tester.

What I'd like to do is determine the age of this piece. Also, if the pattern rings any bells with anyone, please speak up.








The detail on this piece is magnificent! Artistry!
Anyone think this was just cast? Or could it be a true craftsman's work?

Also, this little piece weighs in at over 9 grams.

Thanks!

 

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[Old Dude]

Whad, I certainly am no expert, but the last silver coin I found was in a corn field and when I dug it, it had a very white almost powderish patina. I thought it was odd and attributed it to reaction from fertilizers used.

 

[SusanMN]

I have dug black silver, white silver and crusty, dark brown silver. Check it with your AT Pro - if it comes in at a silver TID and it was also tested as silver, I'd bet it was silver.

 

[taz42o]

kirk and sons, different utensils had the same pattern.
Yours kinda looks plated but hard to tell from pics.

Vintage Kirk Sons Sterling Silver Serving Cake Knife Repousse Floral Design | eBay

 

[taz42o]

Heres a baby fork.

S Kirk and Son Inc Sterling Silver Repousse Baby Fork | eBay

 

[SusanMN]

Looks to be an exact match. Great job Taz. I looked up this company and didn't see anything about them making plated. Even if they did, I doubt it would be the same match as their silver.

 

[taz42o]

Might be hard to date with no marks but it says that the repousse pattern was introduced in 1845.

DATING SILVER FROM S. KIRK & SON | eBay

[url]http://www.thestieffcompany.com/The_Stieff_Company/S._Kirk_%26_Son.html
[/URL]

 

[WHADIFIND]

Might be hard to date with no marks but it says that the repousse pattern was introduced in 1845.

Thanks to everyone! And a special thanks to taz42o! I'd have to say, spot on! I see no indication of plating at all. It appears to be a very solid piece. It's the coloration that threw me a bit. I didn't know silver would turn whitish. Except, after testing it it do sort of turn a bit white. So, maybe, a fairly acidic soil? Hmmm.

Anyway, thanks taz42o and all for your help!

 

[Breezie]

Wooo Hooo on finding such a pretty piece! I know the younger people probably hate to hear this line, but 'they don't make things now like they used to!' I see Taz has ID-ed it; nice one Taz.
Way to go
Breezie