Page 564 - Chinese SIlver By Adrien Von Ferscht

No.23 SILVER/SYCEE
circa 1912-1939

There has been both great controversy and confusion over this mark for many years. After much forensic
research, it is clear it almost always appears on items of jewellery or ladies’ accessories such as compacts and
mesh evening purses.

Given the use of the term “CHINA” and in the context of the style and quality of items bearing the mark, the
manufacturing dates must lie at the latest in the Republic Period 1912-1939 and more likely to be post-Republic
[post 1949].

To add confusion, the mark has no connection whatsoever to the S.C. mark sometimes used by Sincere &
Company. Many “experts” have considered this mark to belong to Hong Kong. This is an incorrect assumption
as Hong Kong would never have used the term “CHINA”. Equally dubious and unsubstantiated is the theory it
was silver made from silver sycee [ingots] stolen from the Chinese at the storming of the Taku Forts in 1860.
It has also been wrongly attributed to a No.23 Assay Office; China has never had an assay system.

It is as yet unclear whether the mark continued to be used after 1940 into the Cultural Revolution period - it
probably did since it seems increasingly likely “No.23 Sycee” may refer to a state-owned silver manufactory; it
is typical of the bland names state companies were assigned.

Items carrying this mark are often combinations of silver and stones, jade, jadeite or coral.