Page 556 - Chinese SIlver By Adrien Von Ferscht

This cigarette case [left] carrying the mark is
pewter and is decorated with the “double
happiness” symbol.
This box and others similar to it is lined with
what looks like cedar wood, but it is not cedar.
The engraved symbols are crudely done and in
a manner that would never have been executed
by a skilled silversmith

The damage to one corner of this box [right] shows exactly
how pewter would react to a knock - silver would not react like
this as it is not as soft.

This maker’s mark has appeared in several online forums and
even reputable information sites for antiques in America and
has been attributed to the Wing Hing Metal Manufactory in
Hong Kong. IT HAS NO CONNECTION WITH THIS COMPANY;
Wing Hing Metal Company is a toy manufacturer.

The general impression is that this mark probably belonged to
a minor maker in the “souvenir” market or is even deliberately
intending that many people will be fooled into thinking it is the
“real McCoy”. Even the “Hong Kong” allusion may be
incorrect given some marks states “Made in China”

The reticulated tankard is a Ngan Wing Hing
attempt to recreate a 19th century Chinese
silver tankard. It has a fixed modern glass
insert and is as far from 19th century as one
could get.

A warning: beware of online sellers calling
these items “WING HING” in the hope it is
mistaken for Wang Hing.

http://chinese-export-silver.com
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