Double cot with London hallmark

[Tongtwister]

Hi,

Does anyone know what this mark may be? I would normally assume a journeyman's mark but they would tend to be found struck near the maker's mark. It is curious that this mark is right between the Lion & Duty mark. Is it potentially a mark struck by the assay office? If so to what purpose?

Thanks in anticipation

Graham

http://www.silversugartongs.com/Sales/A ... LLMARK.JPG

[dognose]

Hi Graham,

My first thoughts were that this is likely to be a personal inventory mark of a previous owner, but then, would you believe it, the very next spoon that I looked at had a similar mark!



My photo does not show the maker's mark, but it is to the far left and away from where, as you have stated, a journeyman's mark would have been struck.

You've got me wondering.

Regards Trev.

[Tongtwister]

Hi,

Curiously, I have also discovered that I have another pair of tongs by the same maker (William Sumner), with a double dot beside the hallmark. Given that these are both by the same maker, it would tend to suggest a journeyman's mark, although why punch them on the other arm I don't know?

http://www.silversugartongs.com/london/ ... LLMARK.JPG

Regards
Graham