RH Unascribed

[robert12]

Hi,
I would like to share this mark with fellow forum members.
The fork is from a straight set of 12 and the mark looks from the same group of makers as Fig7 in the back of Richard Turner's
Directory of Scottish Provincial book.Although 2 x "b" and only 1 Thistle mark.(Richard's has 1 x "b" and 2 Thistles)
In my own canteen for 30 years+
Weight of 64 gr,21.5 cm long and a monogram reading script JG from the end towards the tines.
Well made and an identical set of 12 so RH was a very able silversmith.
Its interesting to note that the RH mark is not worn at all on all 12 although the other 3 marks are on some.
It suggests that the maker mark was possibly struck by a different person to the other 3.
Perhaps with comparison to other known marks this mystery group of makers may be solved.

http://db.tt/vB8WqFiY
http://db.tt/PvE5cHHz
http://db.tt/5V2ZxqkA
http://db.tt/1tiXAoaq


Cheers Bob

[dognose]

Hi Bob,

Thanks for posting these images.

On the Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh website they have what appears to be an identical 'RH' labelled 'unidentified', although yours are undoubtedly earlier . Their version is struck with what appears likely as the marks of Alexander Cameron of Dundee and the 'RH' is likely to have been struck independently as yours has. It's a bit like the chicken or the egg story, which came first, but your marks are curious in so much that the spoon has been finished after all of the marks have been struck, you can clearly see fold lines across the 'H' and the 'b' next to it, plus the elongation of all of the marks. So if 'RH' was the retailer, perhaps he was also a working silversmith who found it more economical to buy it certain pieces than make them himself.

Going slightly off subject, perhaps you would be kind enough to add your thoughts to Richard's request at: viewtopic.php?f=61&t=32724

Trev.