Maker's mark W.W.L. question on silver-gilt button

[buttonjoss]

I believe I've correctly identified the hallmarks as Sterling, London, 1926. However, I'm surprised this button is that new, based on its construction and design. Did I read the hallmarks right? Secondly, re maker's mark: there is a small circle over the last period in W.W.L. What is the significance of this circle, or letter o? http://members.aol.com/jossned/B.GoldPlatedSterlingFr.jpg http://members.aol.com/jossned/B.GoldPlatedSterling.jpg
Thirdly, how common is it to find gold plated sterling like this? Anything else you can tell me about this button? I have pondered this button for a long time and would be grateful for any information you can shed.
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[buttonjoss]

Dear Forum: Here is a closer scan of the back marks on this button:
http://members.aol.com/jossned/B.GoldPlatedSterlingBk.jpg
In the scan the second "W" is not clear, but in person, when tipped in the right light, it shows a "W". I now am considering the possibility that the little letter above the L. is not an "O", but a "D", which could read Ld., or an abbreviation for Limited. Does anyone know is there was a maker with the initials W.W.? Is there a list anywhere of makers' marks in general? I have other sterling buttons I'd like to identy by maker eventually. I hope to hear from some of you eventually, possibly after the holidays, when things "calm" down a bit..... buttonjoss
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[Gerryl]

Your identification of the hallmarks for London, sterling 1926 are correct. The makers mark W.W LD is for William Wilkinson Limited. They have existed in various incarnations from circa 1860 to the present. For more detailed information see Volume 1 of Culme, “The Directory of Gold & Silversmiths, Jewellers & Allied Traders 1838-1914, page 487 and a copy of the mark in Volume II, page 341.
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