please help me identify the date

[Alona]

Hi All

I have here a silver inkwell, as I fond out Hallmarks for Birmingham, Silversmith William Neale. Just couldnt find when was it made?

http://s1364.photobucket.com/user/Alona ... c.jpg.html

Please, if you can, help me with the date.

Thank you very very much for all your help
Best wishes
Alona

[trevorg]

Hello Alona,

The date letter P would put it at 1939 - 1940.

Regards,
Trevor

[silvermakersmarks]

You should inspect the letter carefully to check whether it's upper case P for 1939 or lower case p for 1914. It's very difficult to tell them apart and your picture is not conclusive. I favour 1914 on the basis of the form of the maker's mark. WN over LTD without stop was registered earlier than W.N over LTD.

[trevorg]

On reflection I think you are correct at 1914. I have found reference to the Ltd on the earlier mark (registered in 1911?) that had the td elevated and in lower case lettering, the later mark (registered in 1919?) had the LTD in capitals and aligned....although I could find nothing on the Birmingham Assay site for this company.

Trevor