Help With Identifying the Maker and Year!

[Carolyn Wallace]

I have this adorable 'thing' that belonged to my grandmother. It's an early Swiss army knife I think! 6cm long only.
Solid silver, but the lack of King/Queen's head has thrown me with the year. Cannot find this makers mark anywhere.
Would appreciate some pointers, please.
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh212/Caroloyn/IMG_1010.jpg
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh212/Caroloyn/IMG_1013.jpg

(admin photo edit - images too large - link only - see Posting Requirements-Remember to use the Preview Button )

[dognose]

Hi Carolyn,

Welcome to the Forum.

I read that as Birmingham 1888, and like you are surprised at the lack of a 'Duty Mark'. My only thoughts are that the sleeve is the only part that may be silver, that is, the working being steel.
If this is the case, then if the sleeve weighed less than 5dwts, then it would be exempt from duty.
It's an interesting piece and looks like the kind of item that would have been suspended from a chatelaine.

Sorry, I can't help with the maker.

Regards Trev.

[paulh]

Hello Carolyn,

There is a W.Vale & Sons listed as “Pencil Case Manufacturers” in Birmingham. I think this is one of their cases, although the working parts would be made by someone else.

Is that date letter an “O” or is it a blurred “V”? The latter would also explain the lack of a duty mark.

Paul

[Carolyn Wallace]

Photography is not my strong point!!! I am fairly sure the letter is an O.
Certainly the button hook is not sliver...or the propelling pencils' (I think that's what it is) inside is not silver. But the outside is...definitely!