London Date Letter For 1866

[Traintime]

Looking at the various date letter charts, they seem to be very accurate in minor details. However, here is a second example of Henry John Lias & Son (see prior goblet) having a small "l" with a slight added difference to the back left side half-way down. Such is noted on the small "l" in the Birmingham chart, but not for London. [I'm not referencing the cartouche shape, but the lett itself.] Were there mark variations at the assay office, or could this relate to an interim change of masters requiring another letter style?

Salt spoon sample:

[Traintime]

Much better letter details are here: https://www.silvermakersmarks.co.uk/Dat ... s%20L.html

[silvermakersmarks]

Hallmark charts can only ever be approximations to the real world. There would have been a number of date letter punches in use during an assay year with different sizes needed depending on the item being assayed. In addition some would have had to be replaced during the year because of wear and tear. All of these punches were made by hand with (probably) minor variations from one to another. Also there were special sets of punches for particular items such as watch cases.

Assay office wardens held office for one year and the date letter changed at the end of their term so there would not have been the need to change a letter style for this reason during the assay year.

Phil

[Traintime]

Thank you, Phil.