Creamjug Georg III London 1797

[lolo1965]

Hello,

I have a sterling creamjug from London 1797.
I am a little bit confused about one part of the hallmarks.
The head of King Georg looks to the left. Normally he looks to the right.

Is this normal, or could it be a fake ?





Thank you for your answers

regards
harald
.

[Granmaa]

Harald,

You're right to query those marks, they look very suspect to me as well. Is there even a maker's mark? The design is not very Georgian, especially the little flick on the handle, and it isn't quite like any other English cream jug I've seen. Also, on most cream jugs, the hallmarks are on the body behind the handle.
All in all, very fishy!

Miles
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[Scotprov]

Harald,

Been peering at this one, still cannot clearly make out the duty mark, but it is decidedly dodgy. A point on 1797, is that the duty mark was altered for most of the year, as the duty on silver went up to 1/- per ounce.
As you say, the B and the lion are OK for London 1797. The leopard's crowned head, however, is matched by York c1788, see Martin Gubbins' book. This may well have been the creation of a forger who couldn't manage a punchmark off the maker's mark (quite a lot done 1890 - 1925). Without a maker's mark it is suspicious - they did not pay out their duty for large pieces without it being recorded who had made it. It also looks as if the base has been resoldered in, not too cleanly, at some time. Is this correct?
As Miles says, the style is wrong for the date. Probably an interesting piece, but illegal to be sold in UK, without submitting it to the Goldsmiths' Hall for testing and re-marking.
Richard
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