Who knows German Hallmarks...

[Antiquesarekool]

Hello again everyone.  I forgot my user name but I was on here about a year ago...

Recently picked up this German asparagus scissor tong for .10 and have searched the net for about an hour trying to figure out who made it and possibly what year it was made.  Any help would be great.  Thanks.  Steve

[KC]

Hi Steve and welcome back.

The tongs in questions aren't necessarily a asparagus tong.  They are usually regarded as scissor style serving tongs or sandwich tongs and quite possibly pastry tongs. 

Typical asparagus tongs of this design are unpierced.

Looking for maker....

[Mat]

Hi, the word over "GERMANY" should be SOLINGEN. That is a place in Germany where a lot of cutlery was and is made. The other mark could be a maker's mark or a monogram of the former owner.
Mat

[KC]

Mat, have to lean towards the monogram idea on this one.  Good advice! 

[Antiquesarekool]

So the "Crown" is the makers mark and what looks like scribble is a monogram?  I don't see "800"  is it even silver you think?  Can't find a maker who just used a crown either :S

[mart]

Most likely stainless steel !! I don`t think I have ever seen even silver plate over Solingen steel !!

[KC]

My first impression was that it was a "incomplete strike mark" for Eisenberg-Lozano of New York who was an importer and put their mark on items that they brought in the US and sold.

[Mat]

KC, I looked up that Eisenberg-Lozano mark and I think your first impression is absolutely right! It must be that mark. That would give also a date, somewhere between 1953 and 1973....
Mat

[KC]

I am thinking that is it as well Mat! 

Although they did make some silver plated items in Solingen, Germany...most items that come from that area are not.  AND most likely it would be marked if silver.  You can always get a silver testing kit to find out.

[mart]

During the 50`s stainless steel was more popular than silver !!  Women were looking for ease and simplicity in the kitchen and in dining !!  No more cleaning silver !!  It was also the era of TV dinners !!