What-is-it-question CXLIII

[dognose]

Hi,

Another official mark, but like the Duty mark (1784-1890), strictly speaking, it's not a hallmark, but a mark applied by the Assay Offices by order of the British Government.

This mark, two intersecting circles within a rectangle, was struck on a certain type of item. The Government also issued strict guidelines as to how the item was manufactured.

The mark was in use for eleven years.



What item was this mark used on? What were the dates of its use?

Trev.

[JLDoggett]

War-time 9Kt standard wedding bands. They had to be plain and weigh no more than 2dwts. The stamp went into use in February of 1942, unsure when it was retired,
.

[dognose]

Hi Jim,

That's the one!

The mark, I believe, was officially retired on the 21st January 1953.

Trev.
(Thanks to Dr Sally Baggott, Curator at The Birmingham Assay Office for her assistance in compiling this question).
.

[dognose]

An example of the utility mark (far right) on a 9ct wedding ring assayed at Chester in 1944.



Trev.