Bookmark - Whiting? Year?

[OddSterling]

Hello,

Can anyone help me identify this bookmark? The mark looks closest to me of a Whiting mark, but I'm not certain. I'm new to all of this but find it fascinating. I assume the number "491" is probably the number of the "pattern", and perhaps the "2" refers to something less than .925 silver...maybe .833 like the Netherlands marks I found on this site.

Any history would be greatly appreciated. I am giving this bookmark to my mother-in-law for her birthday and prefer to give the history of pieces I give away. I think it adds so much more to the gift.

Glad I found this site. It has helped me so much. Thanks to all!!
(First time posting so I hope the pics or links work.)

B

[OddSterling]

Also, I seem to like old silver bookmarks best for collecting and giving as gifts...something I tend to use and enjoy each time I open my books.....

If anyone knows of literature that I can find or buy regarding helping me identify these I would really appreciate it. I've found sites like this and silvermark books and such, but if there is anything specific to bookmarks, that would be really great.

It would be nice if any of the resources would help me know how much stuff is worth too. Not that it matters all that much, because if I like it and it fits what I think I would pay for it to still be enjoyable, I do, but it would be nice to know if I'm paying way too much for something. I've seen a lot of hallmarked english "trowel" type bookmarks on eBay for quite a bit lately. I think they may be high, but I really have no way of knowing if that is fair for a 100 yr old bookmark of that type in good shape or not. I haven't seen many sites selling them to compare.

Sorry for rambling, I just enjoy this and have a ton of quesitons. Silver hallmarks just get to me for some reason. :)

Thanks again,

B