Help with B&B Sterling Hallmark

[Nick Martin]

I have a silver watch chain marked with lion passant on all links, T-bar, and clasp, and with "B&B" on one link, T-bar, and clasp. Yet it seems to have no town stamp. It also has a small f, which I believe would signify Birmingham 1905 or London 1901. I have heard of another "B&B" with anchor, and thus suspect mine is of Birmingham origin. If anyone can help identify the town or silversmith, I would be very grateful. Thank you! The accompanying photos show the hallmarks on the T-bar and (to the left) on the one link (the lions are on the reverse side of the links - not shown - and the clasp impression is on the outside and not visible in the photo.


http://aycu30.webshots.com/image/36349/ ... 826_rs.jpg
(admin photo edit - images too large - link only - see Posting Requirements )

[Nick Martin]

The searchable database of the Birmingham Assay Office, www.theassayoffice.uk.com/esh/searchpage.asp, seems to answer the question. I was able to find a listing for B&B. Apparently jewelers Edward Booth and Benjamin Boden registered their hallmark in Birmingham in 1857. Of the two B&B's listed, only Booth and Boden have the same design of ampersand.