William Spratling WS Print Mark, 1931 to 1946
William Spratling WS Print Mark, 1931 to 1946 is a sterling silver hallmark, produced 1931–1946, identified by the mark Block letter WS initials, alone at first, later with TAXCO or MADE IN MEXICO and 980 or 925, and from about 1940 set inside a circle of lettering.
| Maker | William Spratling |
|---|---|
| Mark | William Spratling WS Print Mark, 1931 to 1946 |
| Identifying Characteristics | Block letter WS initials, alone at first, later with TAXCO or MADE IN MEXICO and 980 or 925, and from about 1940 set inside a circle of lettering |
| Period | 1931–1946 |
| Region | Rest of World |
| Type | Maker's mark |
What does the “Block letter WS initials, alone at first, later with TAXCO or MADE IN MEXICO and 980 or 925, and from about 1940 set inside a circle of lettering” mark mean?
Spratling's earliest silver from his Taxco shop carries his WS initials in plain block letters, inspired by his horse brand. From 1931 to about 1933 the WS stands alone. After that you will see it with a town mark such as TAXCO and a fineness mark, 980 on jewelry and 925 on most other pieces. Around 1940 the WS moved inside a circle of raised lettering, and from about 1944 STERLING replaced the numbers. These prewar marks predate the 1948 eagle system, so they carry no eagle.
What is William Spratling sterling silver worth?
SebastianCharles Auctions catalogues and sells William Spratling sterling silver at auction from our gallery at 5263 Edina Industrial Blvd, Edina, Minnesota. Value depends on the individual piece and its condition. Send photographs of the mark and the piece for a free auction estimate, or call (612) 280-1377. Formal written appraisals are billed hourly from $150, with most reports delivered within two weeks.