Columbian Line
 

Hello all!!

I just got in from my favorite flea market and got some nice finds! Either there was a lot of RW out there or I was the only collector there!

I picked up a silverplated sugar bowl and on the bottom it is marked "Columbian Line".

Does anyone know if that was part of the "Columbia Steamship Co." or a different line?

Do I remember seeing in one of the previous strings that someone knew how to date silverplate?

Thanks,
Paul

:wave: Paul,

The Columbian Line (1894-1895 with New York - Colon service using chartered ships) became the Panama Railroad Steamship Line in 1896. The Columbia Steamship Co. operated 1920 -1931 on the Great Lakes (no mention of Columbian Line, but that doesn't rule it out) and was succeeeded by Columbia Transporation in 1931. The Colombian Line operated on the Great Lakes 1932-1938.

These names are all so close, could you recheck the spelling on your piece.

Also, who is the maker and are there any numbers or symbols impressed on the bottom of the piece?

Barbara

Hi Barbara,

Thanks for the info. My piece says "Columbian Line" and the maker is Gorahm silver soldered EP, 014775.

I would love to show a picture, but the silver is making it very difficult to photograph.

Thanks,
Paul

Hello, Finally got a good photo.

http://members.aol.com/ptrosko/columbian.jpg

:wave: Paul,

The hatchet indicates it was made in 1932.

Helen;)

Hi Paul,

I read Colombian Lines (an "o" after the "l"), don't you? They operated 1932-1938, which would work with the Gorham date code.

Gorham holloware, 1868-1884, is marked with the letter A (1868) through Q (1884) respectively; 1885-1933 symbols were used. Only sterling was date coded in the 1940s-1970s.

Reed & Barton, 1928-1957, marked holloware with symbols.

International Silver, 1912-1960s, holloware is marked with a square containing two digits representing the last two numbers of the year (e.g., 1927 is marked with 27 within a square).

Barbara

OOPS!!

Sorry, I had the "Columbian" spelling stuck in my mind, and could not see beyond it.

Barbara, you are correct, it is "Colombian".

Thanks everyone for your information and I didnt mean to confuse anyone (I did just well on that with myself!!!:lol: )