Pitcher w/ Early Marks 18th Century?

[pauline5555]

Just acquired this small repousse pitcher and I am trying to date it. Wondering if it is an early piece. Hallmarks are well rubbed so it is hard to tell. I would appreciate any help.

I am thinking the maker could be GS and date latter looks like a lower case A? I thought maybe 1816 or 1776, but maybe not.

http://i42.tinypic.com/jkc7rk.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/20fa6a.jpg

Thanks a lot. The best website ever by the way.

PS - Also had a quick question.... For earlier pieces like this for example which has a crowned leopard head so I am assuming pre 1822, when do you see a duty head mark and when it is absent. Is there a rule of thumb?
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[Granmaa]

Hi Pauline,

Your cream jug looks to be 1776 and made by George Smith V.
The duty mark was used from 1784-1890.

Miles
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[pauline5555]

Hi
Thanks much. I was looking closely at the marks and was just throwing this out there though I have no idea. Do you think its possible this could be 1736. The cartouche around the leopard head is absolutely square at top corners and the date letter looks to have a more scooped bottom which I can see better when it is turned on an angle. Also when I look from the inside at the impressed mark, the lion passant cartouche appears also to have a straight bottom.
Any thoughts.
Thanks
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[Granmaa]

Sorry, not George Smith V but George Smith II.
No chance of it's being 1736. The marks are similar, but their arrangement and position are not. Also, the style of the jug does not fit that period.

Miles
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