Frustrating research... help!

[Tink]

Is anyone here into antiques and collectibles?
I dabble and have a pair of items that I simply cannot identify or locate online. Usually if I keep on long enough, I can find things, but this one has stumped me for a LONG time so I've decided to recruit help.

I have a pair of pewter candleholders in the shape of impalas (The animal, not the car) with the tail raised, and the holder on top of the tail. They are obviously hand made, are stamped with Saks fifth avenue, made in portugal, FCIT (which is an importer) and VMsomething illegible on the bottom. There is a crest like stamp that I can't figure out.

I got them at auction several years ago; the owner was deceased, and nothing really was known about them. It's become a real puzzle.

Anyone have any ideas?

[Janet]

Do you have an antique dealer in your area that you can take them to and ask? Maybe there is a special name for them and that's the reason you can't find them online. Wish I could help more Tink.

[DianaB]

I'm into antiques, but nothing is coming to mind with what you're describing. If you could post some pictures it would help. Are you sure that they're pewter? I'll do some looking and see if I come up with anything, but pictures would sure help.

[Tink]

Thanks Diana

My pictures are too big to post here, but I have them at: http://parenthood.dropshots.com/day.php?userid=162779&cdate=20070405

The cell phone is beside them to give you an idea of size.
Once enlarged in the photo, we can see that the letters inside the shamrock shaped stamp are VMC

I assumed they were pewter because of the color and the fact tht they're very soft. If you're not careful, you can bend them quite easily. My son suggested they might be silver? We really don't know how to tell the difference.

[AngieDoogles]

I don't know anything about antiques Tink so I am no help. I'm sorry. Good luck though!

[DianaB]

Tink, I looked in e-Bay and I found some silver-plate reindeer candleholders that were similiar. I checked the current auctions and the completed listings for the last month. I think if you keep checking on there that you'll eventually find what you're looking for. I'm guessing that they old but not what I would consider antique. That style of candleholder, I'm guessing, is a modern style (40-50 years or newer). However I'm not an expert! Good luck in your search and sorry that I couldn't find an answer for you.

[Janet]

Tink, does Saks have a web-site where you might be able to contact them and show a picture? They may be able to get you started better on your search.

[Chandra Amaya]

alot of times you can just contact a dealer & describe the piece & tell them the stamps on the bottom. I know a friend found out she had a real Ming vase by doing this. Good luck on finding out :)