http://www.flickr.com/photos/nrpallas/ Please see the 8 photos here.
Please view the 8 photos I've taken of these forks. They are marked 'sterling'. There is a very faint W monogram on the front. The marks in question are : Lion , Anchor, B . These photos were very difficult to take: using a magnifying lens WITH the 'close up' lens and camera features along with variations in lighting! phew.... Please forgive the 'low' quality.
The lack of a 'head' helps a bit, the lion is nearly indistinguishable by photograph, but by 'eye' it appears to be backward facing or just rubbed and cleaned to death! The Anchor is the only clearly visisble feature making these certainly from Birmingham. The B is a capitol and is on a sort of octagonal base. This suggests 1850 as a date, but I've no idea as to a potential maker? The style is very simple and elegant, which probably doesn't help. Please folks, any ideas?? I've done all I am able.
My Grandfather traveled extensively in the Navy and we have got many items from GB. One interesting item is a bread fork by Atkins! Very cool. I'd like to be able to tell my children more about these forks and pass on the history. Thank you all so very much!
Norman Pallas