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Hi,

This is a tablespoon, just under 9" in length and weighing 66 grams. Well made and assayed for William Eley I and William Fearn (Grimwade 3112) at London in 1805.



However, besides the marks one would expect to find on such a spoon, it is also struck with a French mark, that of the Besancon Mint.



What is interesting about the Besancon mark, is that both Tardy and Divis both state that the mark was only in use for the period 1794-1797.
Louis Carre, in his 'A Guide to Old French Plate', makes no mention of this mark at all.

So, could this possibly be from a batch of French spoons, unfinished, and purchased by Eley & Fearn, assayed and then finished (it has clear journeymen's mark), or have both Tardy and Divis got their dates wrong?

If the Besancon mark was the first to be struck, then its placing was most convenient, allowing just the right amount of room for the others, perhaps that is too convenient.
I suspect the dating in Tardy and Divis's may be incorrect.

It would be good to hear the thoughts of members.

Trev.
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Hello,
Is this E crowned, i don't think so, isn't it a "laurée" (sorry, i don't now it in English)
I think this mark is the belgium import mark , it was used between 9/14/1814 and 6/4 1817 (Tardy page 85, 20° edition)

greats, Koen
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Hi Koen,

That's Brilliant! You've solved the mystery. It all now fits together. Thank you.


........Belgium.............................France

My apologies to Monsieur Tardy and Herr Divis for ever doubting them.

Thanks again.

Regards Trev.
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I just think it is great when things like this get posted here as we all learn something new... and all learning is good reference for the future. Thanks for the post and the knowledge. Best wishes, Mike.
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