12 Karat gold watch hallmarks

[Compo]

Hi. I have an old fob watch that I can't identify the hallmarks on. I think this may be because it's foreign but I'm not sure. I've included a picture of the hallmark, and then a picture of what I think is the maker's mark.

I'd appreciate any help. Thanks. Neil




If the images don't work, the images are located at
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y156/C ... llmark.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y156/C ... aker2a.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y156/C ... watch2.jpg
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[Compo]

I've done a bit more research on this hallmark. It's not very clear, but this is what I'm thinking

1. The watch was assayed in the UK between 1854 and 1931 (use of the 12K mark).
2. As there's no recognised Assay Office mark (that I can see), I think this may indicate that the watch was imported.
3. The watch is pre 1904 as there's no mark of origin
4. As there's no "F" mark, the watch was assayed before 1876 as the "F" mark was introduced to signify a foreign item then.

My thinking is that the item was assayed in Newcastle in 1875. This fits with the 4 points above, and has the same circular shield and best fit font for date letter.

Other possibilities are Edinburgh 1893 or Birmingham 1886. Neither meets 4 above and the font seems slightly different in both cases.

I'd appreciate any help or thoughts as to whether I'm on the right lines

Thanks

Neil
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[admin]

Hi Neil,
The cross & circle is the import mark of London, for some unknown reason, it is missing the inverted omega symbol usually seen in its center. The date letter corresponds to London 1907 and the sponsor's mark appears to be that of George Shand.

Regards, Tom
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[Compo]

Tom, thanks for this. It appear I have a long way to go before I can read hallmarks properly.

It didn't occur to me that the date mark may have been the London mark for 1907 for 2 reasons. Firstly, the font didn't look the same as in my reference book (Collins Gem) and secondly the background shape for the 1907 date mark given in the Collins book is like a rounded rectangle with a scalloped lower edge whereas my date mark appears to be in a circle/oval.

Thanks again

Neil
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[admin]

The cartouche shapes for gold are different than for sterling and for lower carat, they seem to run at least from c. 1900 onwards, to rounds or ovals.
Tom
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