London spoon. Why does the lion point to the Right?

[Wilson100]

From what I have seen on all hall marked silver the lion always points to the left. With this spoon the lion points to the right. Can someone explain as I don't know a lot about hall marks.

[oel]

Hi Wilson,
Pseudo marks probably Chinese Export silver see:
http://www.925-1000.com/chinex_marks.html

Oel.

[Wilson100]

Thanks for this information. I remember these being used for afternoon teas when my mother had guests over (60 years ago now). They go back to my great grandmother somewhere in Australia and have the family initials on the handle.

[oel]

Your welcome also see:
http://www.925-1000.com/canadiansilver_01.html

Best,

Oel.

[buckler]

Be a little bit careful when seeing a Lion Passant Guardant facing to the right .
It's been used at Newcastle in the 1720's and at York in the early 1800's .
Both much sought for !

[Wilson100]

Thank you for this information. So how can I tell if these spoons are either of the ones that are mentioned from the hallmarks? These are the only markings on the spoons.

[dognose]

The spoon is almost certainly Canton, 1820-1840. The maker's name is undocumented.

The Australian connection fits in nicely, as much Chinese silver was exported to that country.

Can you try and capture a larger, sharp close-up of the marks?

Trev.

[Wilson100]

A close up of the markings. Hope this helps. It's interesting for me to unravel the history of these teaspoons after all these years. So thank you all for your comments.

[dognose]

That's excellent, thank you.

I think it is very likely a variation of the marks used by 'N' here: http://www.925-1000.com/chinex_02.html#M

Trev.