Are these hallmarks genuine?

[gsmoggy]

Hi Members
I am thinking of buying a small silver jug,it has a lot of engraving on it (I do not have a picture of the jug) I am not sure if the marks are right it looks like it may be quiet early.
Regards Guido

[AG2012]

Hi,
Is there no maker`s mark ?
Date letter ``r`` for 1792 (London). Duty mark on the right cannot be seen properly.
Regards

[gsmoggy]

Thanks Ag for the quick reply. I took a quick photo of the mark before the place closed ,did not see markers mark ,it may have one.Was engraving popular around this date 1792? I am wondering if it was a plain jug that was engraved latter.I understand it is difficult without an image.
Regards Guido.

[AG2012]

George III silver was often engraved, but Victorians did it on older silver, too, even chasing and embossing.Sometimes not easy to distinguish.

[gsmoggy]

HI Ag
Many thanks for your input. I may have a go for it ,even though I had a bit of a rushed look at it ,depends what it goes for.
Again good work Guido.

[gsmoggy]

Hi Members
I did end up buying the small jug (creamer) i am very happy with it, considering I did not have a long look before the auction.It looks original to me and the quality of the engraving or chasing I feel is fantastic.I have not looked up the maker yet the letter are I.M
Many thanks for your info Ag.

[AG2012]

Hi,
Marks look genuine and the maker is probably John Merry.
Compare the mark attributed to him in the image bellow (pay attention to serifs).
The engraving looks Victorian but cannot tell for sure.

Regards

[AG2012]

This set of marks for comparison.

[AG2012]

See here:

http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=32424

[gsmoggy]

Hi Ag
You may be right the Merry marks look similar,I thought my maker may be John Muns ? I will look merry up.How do we tell if the engraving is original or done latter?

(admin edit - see Posting Requirements )

Many thanks Guido.

[AG2012]

John Muns died 1768.
George III duty mark was introduced 1784/1785.
In short, it cannot be him.
Victorians were fond of ornate engraving,chasing and embossing and had many old silver destroyed.
But later engraving is not easy to distinguish (not compatible with the style).
Regards

[gsmoggy]

thanks AG
it seems you are right that it is John Merry.It is a very strange place to place the hallmarks cutting into the engraving.what came first the chicken (hallmark)or the egg(engraving).
Many thanks Guido.