www.925-1000.com

Hi From examining the marks, I believe that the pice is Silverplate. A pretty good rule of thumb is if doesn't have the Lion Passant, or it doesn't say sterling or have a silver purity mark such as 925, 835 or 800, or if it doesn't have appropriate hallmarks then it is not likely going to be silver,...

Try contacting the Dublin Assay Office - they may be able to provide more information. I can provide a little; Thomas Bolton was "freed" from his apprenticeship in 1686. He died in 1736,. The 10:18 marking is baffling.

Waylander
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This might help.....(borrrowed from http://www.antiquesilverspoons.co.uk/canteenmakers.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) """James Dixon & Sons Marks used:- JD&S, JWD Trademark:- trumpet & banner James Dixon established his company in 1806, becoming "& Sons" in 1835....

I hasten to add, and this is something that I am a little embaressed about forgetting, that the markings seem to be similar to those of the Australian Gold and Silversmithing Guild. This is their website. http://www.apecs.com.au/guild/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; The 750 ...

Very unusual mark. Would expect to find the other usual suspects (ie Lion Passant etc) on a Thimble. Clearly they are not present (nice photos btw). I'll have to confess that I'm stuck (I still think it's no English though.....)

Waylander

What I forgot to say is that Dublin is correct as the Assay town, and the markings on the top seem to be a (very well known) heraldic crest

Waylander
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1728 is the correct date - there is no Hibernia mark you see. If it had been the later date then Hibernia would also have been present. Maker is Thomas Bolton (see Jacksons edition 3 page 629).

Waylander
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You are in the wrong forum my friend. They look like Continental (Europe) marks, but I don't recognise them. They certainly are not English. Try reposting in a more appropriate forum.

Waylander
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Ah, your eyes are better than mine io.....I didn't notice it.....

Waylander

Lisa

H. Mathews' mark is definately HM. Very puzzling. If you can't find the answer on this forum, try www.smpub.com.

Waylander

Hi Lisa I'm not sure that "H" is the maker's mark; you see, single letter maker's marks are almost always very early (as in the 1600's) - the rise of many different makers meant that marks became 2 letters (or more). My monitor is not the best - is there any other mark near it? Personally, given the...