I came across a mark that doesn't quite conform to this system and has stumped me. It has the 800 mark and what I believe to be the Bruckmann & Sohne eagle mark. However, it does not have the usual crescent moon and crown, which became compulsory after 1888. I think I read somewhere else, though, that the crescent moon and crown were optional, but to me, it really behooves the manufacturer to include it as proof of silver content, if it's indeed solid silver, so I don't know why a silversmith would choose not stamp it as such.
My other theory is that perhaps this was made sometime between 1884 and 1888, when things were a little ambiguous and in transition. If the 800 minimum became law in 1884, that would explain the 800 mark, but if the crescent moon/crown requirement didn't become law until after 1888, they weren't required to use it until then. That would explain why it had the Bruckmann mark and 800, but not the crescent moon/crown. But, it's just a theory of mine, and I await the expert opinions of those who know much more about this topic than I.
Any light anyone could help shed on this would be appreciated.
Below is an image of the mark. Thank you in advance.
