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Hello,
I have recently acquired the Will of the wife of Thomas Hall, Goldsmith of Denmark Court, Strand, St Martin in the Field . In it she mentions a 'family mark' [George, Thomas' son was also a Goldsmith] and also that some of the silverware she was bequeathing had been marked with her initials - S. R [for Romley]. Would this practice confuse the issue of the maker? I am assuming that the silverware was made for her by her husband.
N.

Hello

Engraving an owner's initials on silverware is a very common practice but almost always done in a way which doesn't obscure the hallmarks because this would tend to devalue the item.

Both Thomas and George Hall entered marks at Goldsmiths Hall London, Thomas in 1770 from the Denmark Court address and George several times between 1788 and 1811 from 482 Strand. Which would have been the "family" mark referred to is open to question.

For Forum records would you please let us know the date of Thomas' death.

Mike

Hi Mike,

The will of Thomas Hall was proved on the 20th March 1788

See: http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic ... 517#p57517" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regards Trev.