SPIDER WEB MARK

Q: I have a silver trophy with enamel inlays inscribed "The Yellowstone," which was a gentleman's club in San Francisco. It was presented to my grandfather in 1898. The mark on the bottom is a spider web with a "W" in the middle. Can you give me any information about this piece?

A: The spider web with "W" in the center was used by E.G. Webster & Son. The company made silver plated hollowware. It was founded by Elizur G. Webster in 1859 and was in business under various names until 1928, when it was bought by the International Silver Co.

SHANGHAI ENGLAND PLATE

Q: I have a piece of blue and white pottery with this diamond-shaped mark on the bottom. I found it during an archeological excavation. I haven't been able to identify the maker. Can you help?

A: The mark with "W" in a diamond was used by W. & E. Corn c.1900. "Shanghai" is the pattern name. Edward Corn founded a pottery at Burslem, Staffordshire, England, in 1850. His sons, William and Edward, took over the pottery c.1864. William died in 1885. The pottery moved to Longport in 1890. After Edward's death in 1891, his sons Alfred and Edmund took over the pottery. The pottery continued to operate as E. & E. Corn until 1904.