www.925-1000.com

I've just acquired this item - from the marks I believe it to be made in London 1779/1809 - the maker's mark is unfortunately worn. There is an additional mark (see additional pic), however, that I really don't see listed anywhere - I wonder if it is a guild mark or something? Or just what it might signify?

If anyone more expert has any idea, I'd really appreciate any views!

Thanks


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what mark are you looking at?
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Hello ant-

The duty mark seems to place it at 1809, but what is your first picture? where is it marked on the item? Please post a picture of the makers mark; you would be surprised how well the members here are able to id even the most worn.

regards- byron
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Hi and thank you both for your responses!

kerangoumar - the mark I am concerned with is the castle with grasping hand design shown above. As the maker's mark is pretty much rubbed out, I was hoping someone might have some insight into it.

byron - thank you, I have uploaded another picture of the maker's mark which hopefully is a bit clearer, but, as I say, the mark is pretty worn. Here it is, anyway...
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byron - just to pick up on your other question, here is a picture showing where the hand design is placed.

Thanks again
Andy


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Hi,

The mark you speak of is an engraved armorial, it would be the crest taken from the coat of arms belonging to the family who were the original owners of the piece.

Trev.
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This is a crest , which as dognose says, is often based on the armorial of the family who owned the piece. Unfortunately there was no real control over the use of crests - some were used at various times by over a hundred families - and research is difficult and has a low probability of success.
The standard work is Fairburn's Book of Crests which is expensive to buy, but a good library may be able to get you a copy. The pre 1905 issues are a real pain to use and not reliable, so go for the A.C. Fox Davies 1905 or later editions. It has been reprinted but I'm told most of the reprints have very poor reproduction of the crests.
The Victorians took them very seriously , but this one is probably Georgian , and if not part of a coat of arms, is likely to be a pun.
Tallycastle, Staffkeep, Towerstick all seem unlikely but you can see the approach. Usually you can only work out the pun if you have the answer and often not even then.
Good luck and let us know if you get anywhere !
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Tallyand is a possible name if this is a pun (from Tally Stick and hand)
Do not laugh - I've seen far worse !
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Thank you!
I will investigate further - I think a trip to the local library is in order - and see what I can find out.

I'll let you know what I find...
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