www.925-1000.com

Can anyone shed any light onto the origins of this unusual sundial. It is about 1" long (about the size of a watch fob). The cast doors open to reveal two armoured arms holding a sword as the gnomon of the dial. Paul. http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj498/pahsilver/th_dial1.jpg http://i1264...

12 lothig, would suggest somewhere not a million miles from the Baltic.

A simple matter of a Trade Mark. Many silversmiths used their trade mark in addition to the hallmark. James Dixon, Walker & Hall, John Round to name but a few.

Paul.

Can anyone shed any light on this rather unusual variation on a fiddle pattern. It is by Richard Hodd & Sons, a company for which Christopher Dresser was a designer. I cannot find it in any books that I have, although it is similar to design devices which he used in textile designs. Paul. http:/...

Does anyone recognise the 'J' mark on this spoon?

Thanks,

Paul.

Hello John, I can find no evidence to suggest a link between George Walker of Walker & Hall and the Walker family of silversmiths, including George and John Walker who were assay masters, in Chester. As George Walker of W&H originally came from a rather impoverished working class Sheffield f...

Thanks Trev. I will investigate import marks.

Regards,

Paul.

This is a fairly average bright cut teaspoon, with a London hallmark for 1806. What is puzzling me is what appears to be a feint crown mark to the left of the hallmark. Anyone any ideas? Paul. http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj498/pahsilver/th_bc1.jpg http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj498/pa...

Could it possibly be an automatic candle snuffer? The candle is placed in the bottom ring and the centre ring is set at the desired height on the candle. When the candle burns down to that height the ring falls loose and the snuffer drops down onto the candle, extinguishing the flame. A device for t...

Thanks Trev. Butter beans in a white wine sauce for tea it is then!

Paul.

Hello Diana, The marking of silver plate with a crown was a general practice, although illegal, until 1886, when the Sheffield Assay Office, started to enforce a law dating back to 1773. Walker & Hall started putting date letters on their plated pieces in 1884. This would suggest that your spoon...

Hello,

You will find that, as a general rule, the anchor is usually on its side before 1900.

Paul.

Hello Phil,

That sounds like 1934. to me.

http://www.925-1000.com/registry.html

Paul.

I have just noticed that the Paypal system for buying a copy of this book included a £2 handling charge for U.K. customers. This has now been removed. I hope it did not discourage anyone from purchasing a copy.

Paul.

Hello,

That is a Danish plate mark.

Paul

This is an Old Sheffield Plate 9" heated plate, sitting on a two handled reservoir for the heat source. The question is one which is always open to debate; Is this Matthew Boulton or Mappin Brothers? Opinions welcome. Paul. http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj498/pahsilver/th_DSC05873.jpg htt...

That is a W&H holloware mark for 1912.
Message to Trev. The book will be back from the printer sometime next week. There is a copy with your name on it.

Paul.

Silver plate by Lee & Wigfull.

Hope this helps,

Paul

Hello. That is a silver plate mark of Walker & Hall, Sheffield.

Thanks Trev. I will keep in in the 'oddities' file for now.