Manx Silver

[elizabethh]

Whilst visiting friends (of Manx descent) in South Africa in May I was shown a spoon - desert size- with the stamp Manx silver.   Can anyone tell me about Manx silver or where I might find out more about this?    Elizabeth.

[Frances_mnb]

the lead ore from some mines is quite rich in silver eg considerable amounts of silver extracted at the Foxdale mines - when the mines closed it was found worthwhile to rework the spoils to extract silver.
Some discussion in Lamplugh Geology of IoM 1903 (see www.manxnotebook.com) - eg over 60,000 oz of silver extracted per year late 19th C

[elizabethh]

Thank -you for your quick reply and information; I now have a starting point.   Elizabeth.

[Frances_mnb]

it might be worthwhile contacting Manx Museum - library@mnh.gov.im - I recall that somewhere I've seen reference to an article about such items - remember that pre the 1960's the Island had 100,000's of tourists per year and there was a ready outlet for such items - there are still a few high quality jewellers on Island.