Unknown marks: asterisk and maltese cross?

[tom-o]

I am trying to find out the provided information on this spoon.





The hallmarks indicate the following information;

Sterling 925
Made in Sheffield in 1905
John Round & Son Ltd.

However, the marks on the extreme right in the 2nd photo are unknown.
These marks seem to be an asterisk and a maltese cross, respectively.
Does anyone know about these marks?

Thank you in advance for your time.

[Neruda]

Your spoon was made by Joseph Rodgers & Sons Ltd. The company always used the star and Maltese cross, although I don't know why - perhaps to avoid confusion with John Round & Son Ltd?

[tom-o]

I did not know Joseph Rodgers & Sons Ltd.
As you suggest, I confused with John Round & Son Ltd.

Thank you very much for your kind help!

[vinnie]

The stars are often the mark of the "journeyman", large flatware manufacturers (J.Round/Rodgers, George Adams etc) could not physically make each piece themselves so workers would have individual marks, stars/crosses etc to indicate who exactly within the company had made the piece.
Hope that makes sense!

[Neruda]

In the case of Rogers, the star & cross was a trade mark - it appears on most of the items I have seen, including steel knife blades.

Rogers started in the 18th century, or earlier, as cutlers, and most cutlers had similar identifying marks. Many cutlers branched into silver or Sheffield Plate and later electro-plate. While these marks are an exception on silver - where initial letters are the norm - they do often reappear on plated items.

[admin]

Joseph Rodgers & Sons - The Setian Collection

[tom-o]

Dear all,

Thank you so much for your informative comments and a link!
I am a beginner antiquer. I should learn more about hallmarks and history.
Again, thank you for all the information!