having trouble identifying makers mark on cigarette case

[smorse]

Hey there,

I'm having trouble identifying the makers mark on a Victorian Reousse cigarette case.

There are two import marks on both the side of the top of the case, as well as on the side of the actual case. This mark shows that the piece is from London before 1975.

There is also a "r" Date letter with a rounded square cartouche.

It's definitely sterling silver, indicated by the 925 with a circle around it.

It has the letters "G B" on it, I assumed this meant Great Britain, or possibly part of the makers mark?


But the real stumper is on the inside of the case, its a crest. On the crest is a swan with outstretched wings. The letters appear to say "G G" with and "H" below them, the H is off center.

There is also another little mark next to the crest, but I cannot make out any shape or form out of the mark.

Because I cannot identify the makers mark, I haven't been able to indentify the date, so I'm unsure of when this item was made. I'm assuming it was made somewhere in the 1800's.


The links to the photos are as follows:
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k61/x ... ase_03.jpg
the above link is the top of the case, the cover
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k61/x ... ase_02.jpg
the above link is where the cover would shut, sort of inside
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k61/x ... ase_01.jpg
the above link is on the inside of the case
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k61/x ... fa7b06.jpg
The above link is the front of the box
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k61/x ... ttebox.jpg
the above link is a picture of the inside of the box, which is where the mystery maker's mark is located


I would appreciate any help anyone has to offer.

[claretjugcollector]

your cigarette case was definetly made in germany about 1880 / 1890 in hanau - then you have british silver importmarks - and i think your GB is a GR ? could that be possible ?
the other marks are so calles german fantasy marks - they were used to make the piece very old and interesting - but in fact it was the pseudo renaissance - the time about 1880 - very rich decorated item especially silver using often little angels and AMOR (s)-- kind regards tom

[2209patrick]

The GB mark is the sponsor's mark of British importer George Bedingham. The two pieces I've seen with his mark were thought to be from Germany and dated to the very early 1900's.

Pat.

[smorse]

Thank you Tom and Pat

I at first thought it was a GR as well, but it is, in fact, a GB.

Tom- Do the fantasy marks mean anything other than making the piece look old?

There is also a little dog on the piece as well, its playing with the cherubs. I have been told that the dog also helps date the piece as well. I was told that between 1850 and 1900, it was common for a dog to be in a subtle place on a piece, have you heard anything like this before?

Pat, is there a web site where I can find information on George Bedingham? I tried to google him, but nothing substantial came up.

[2209patrick]

I found his mark in one of my silver reference books. They didn't give anymore information, I'm guessing because he was not a manufacturer. Don't know of a website where there is more information.
Just in case you were not aware of this, the London import mark on your piece was used from 1906 on.

Pat.

[georgiansilver]

Ther actual date of your item is London import 1912-13. GB will most certainly be the maker of whichever country the item came from. What I am teling you is correct! Best wishes, Mike.

[smorse]

Thank you guys so much for your help! I'm just trying to put together as much information as possible about this item. I'm a little disappointed about the date, I expected it to be pre-1900's.

[claretjugcollector]

it is for sure that the piece is about 1890 - the british import was done some years later
p.s. the fantasy marks have no real or deeper sense than making an older outlooking .. kind regards tom
and i agree , that the maker is GR or GB - it will be hard to find his name ..

[2209patrick]