Help with Silversmith Mark

[puckett34]

Hello, 

 

New to the forum and I was hoping someone could help me translate this mark. I was able to figure out that the top characters are pure or sterling silver, but I am not sure about the rest. Any help would be much appreciated. 

 

Thanks

 

[Jim]

Appears to be Japanese, the characters under the pure silver mark read 三越制 which is apparently "made for the Mitsukoshi department store", here's another example with similar mark: https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/asian-art-furniture/metalwork/20th-century-silver-vase-mitsukoshi-department-store/id-f_19156482/

The first two characters on the right are  重光 which is apparently Shigemitsu, like this piece https://www.ebth.com/items/8419801-japanese-mixed-metal-mitsukoshi-vase

Can't make out the last mark in that line but looks similar to one in the last picture at that link. Seems to be maker's signature, perhaps that's a special mark of theirs. Found a Christies link too though it's not opening for me here: https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-a-japanese-silver-bowl-shigemitsu-mitsukoshi-sei-5032635/?

[889]

Also this one which, given the item's history, does show the Shigemitsu mark was used in the Meiji era, though perhaps later as well.

 

https://www.1stdibs.co.uk/furniture/decorative-objects/bowls-baskets/decorative-bowls/meiji-japanese-repousse-silver-shigemitsu-signed-large-

footed-bowl/id-f_15457372/

 

The silversmith's full name is 平田重光 Hirata Shigemitsu. He lived 1855-1926 and worked in other metals as well.

 

"Hirata Shigemitsu was one of the most prominent metal-hammering craftsmen of the Meiji period. He produced work mainly for the Imperial Household and also exhibited regularly in international exhibitions"

 

https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5773111

 

Let's confirm that it's marked 純銀, literally "pure silver," but usually indicating around 950 silver, though you'd have to test.