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The question that I have concerns a serving spoon. It was made in New Castle by John Langlands and John Robertson who were registered in business from 1778 until 1795. My problem is that there is no date mark. I have never seen a piece of English sterling without a date mark. Is there a reasonable explanation for this besides "OPPS"? Any aissistance is appreciated, Kevin

This often happens, especially during the c1795-c1815 period and on smaller items, especially flatware. London, Exeter and Newcastle hallmarks all show this. It is suspected that it was an anti-fraud measure in that larger items would all have had a date letter and it was therefore obvious if a non-date-marked hallmark had been cut off and incorporated into a larger piece to avoid assay and/or duty payment.

Phil

Thank you for the information that you have given me. There are many things that cross the lines of history and time and one constant is trying to beat the tax man. Thank you for your input, Kevin