Baffling, inconsistent hallmarks?
Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2018 12:02 pm
I've just recently begun collecting sterling silver fruit knives. So far, I've had no problem deciphering the hallmarks, using the abundance of online sites with that information. Until this knife. I've even checked it in Sir Charles J Jackson's _English Goldsmiths and their Marks_. No luck! Here is what I've run up against:
The previous owner claimed the dating was to 1905, but the date hallmark appears to me to be 1815
If 1905, sources tell me that the sovereign head duty hallmark was stopped in 1890
Finally, I have had no luck deciphering the maker's mark. My best guess was JF, then I tried researching JR makers. Again, no luck.
Would be most grateful if someone might be able to help me resolve these apparent conflicts!
Jim
The previous owner claimed the dating was to 1905, but the date hallmark appears to me to be 1815
If 1905, sources tell me that the sovereign head duty hallmark was stopped in 1890
Finally, I have had no luck deciphering the maker's mark. My best guess was JF, then I tried researching JR makers. Again, no luck.
Would be most grateful if someone might be able to help me resolve these apparent conflicts!
Jim