Shot in the dark, but does anyone know the maker of this modernistic piece please? Have emailed Dublin assay office but with no reply as yet. Thanks in advance John
Casters* of that size and of that period would normally be used for spices, e.g. pepper/cinnamon/ground nutmeg etc., and would have been part of a set of casters leading up to the larger sugar caster. I would suggest that salt would only be served from glass lined or gilt silver bowl. Just an opinio...
Grimwade shows a casemaker with this mark, William Noyse. Registered 29.9.1718. Which up to that date, maker's marks would show the first two letters of the surname. Just an idea. Regards John
Properly known as tea tongs, Dr David Schlosberg points out in his excellent book some specialist tea tong makers. Perhaps it could be one of these. http://www.silverteatongs.com/4764/index.html A fascinating read about the history of these utensils. Regards John
The swastika is an ancient symbol that has been found worldwide, but it is especially common in India. Its name comes the Sanskrit word svasti (sv = well; asti = is), meaning good fortune, luck and well-being. This original meaning of the swastika is a far cry from Western associations of the symbol...
Although I would tend to agree that it is Feline, have a look at Grimwade 604 - George Ellis 1721. He later changed his mark, but doesn't establish when. Just an idea. Regards John