Star of Ethiopia Miniature - Reverse Mark Identifcation

[oamotme]

Gentlemen,

The illustrated miniature, originally sold as a miniature of the Egyptian Order of Ismail, is a bit of a mystery. The crown with its cross is definitely Ethiopian but the star does not have conjoined lower limbs. Ismail miniatures are always seen enamelled and do not have a cabochon, whereas there are issues of the Star of Ethiopia with a cabochon.

The revers mark appears to be a C and a crown and the figures 925. Is the crown a European mark?

The obverse sees to indicate different (possibly) engraving on the two pieces but the reverse appear to indicate the same manufacturer.

Any ideas?

Owain  

[Rusty Greaves]

Owain, the crown with a crescent to the left appears to be common as a post-1886 German hallmark. Apparently, it is a national mark that replaced city hallmarks, the Halbmund und Krone became an obligatory German state mark in 1888. The crowns take a few forms, but several are identical to that seen on the reverse of this medal. See the examples online at this source: https://www.925-1000.com/Fgerman_marks_a1884.html. The 925 of course refers to 925 silver (92.5%). Manufacturers' marks seem to principally appear to the right of the purity mark, but this odd Ethiopian star does not have any.

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Edited October 31, 2023 by Rusty Greaves

[paul wood]

Odd Purity standard for Germany.

 

P

 

[oamotme]

Rusty, Paul,

Thanks for your input. Good to know the mark is of German origin and the crescent and crown indicates it is of silver. I note a crown in a circle (sun) is the gold mark. Silver purity marks are as follows: 800, 830, 835, 900, 925 & 935.

I had thought that the complete lack, or indeed absence of tarnish on the piece was because it is of 925 gold rather than silver-gilt, but almost certainly it is of silver gilt.

Regards.,

Owain