JT maker mark only

[robert12]

Hi,
Help needed with this pair of tongs
A short pair at 11 cm and a weight of 28 gr
Only 2 maker marks of a deeply struck JT
Think maybe Cape but suggestions welcome.
I would have thought maybe Scottish if longer
https://db.tt/dxVVbAhT
https://db.tt/uNoHgXur
https://db.tt/0ZPyn66w

Thanks Bob

[agphile]

Well, Welz records John Townsend of the Cape (fl 1824-1841) as using the initials JT in a single punch on its own as well as examples accompanied by pseudo marks. He could well have also struck his initials twice on occasion but I couldn't swear your punch is an exact march.

[robert12]

Thanks for info. I wonder if the crest is seen on other items from the Cape to help pinpoint origin? I know there is a JT silversmith from Ayr/Arbroath but cannot find a decent mark for comparison. I also think maybe they are too short for Scottish. Is John Townsend the same perdon as the Dublin mentioned one? The working dates seem as though they might follow on. Bob

[agphile]

You’ll find a bit more about Townsend here:

viewtopic.php?f=57&t=29307&p=72249&hilit=John+Townsend#p72249

You will see that the lettering of his initials on the items illustrated seems a bit thicker than on your item but this could possibly just be wear. The damage to the outline of the punch seen on the mustard spoon is only present on some, presumably later, Townsend pieces.

The thread covers as much as I think is known about this Townsend.

[robert12]

It looks probable that this might be my first Csoe item then.
Although not an exact match and allowing for wear of the punch
I have not found anything else that is nearer. Thanks for the link.
Perhaps an expert on crests can place the area of origin. Bob

[dognose]

Hi Bob,

The only Scottish provincial maker, that I'm aware of, who used 'JT' (as opposed to 'IT') was John Templeton of Ayr. What is thought to be Templeton's mark was : 'JT', Anchor, 'T', Anchor.

I'll move the topic to the Family Crests section of the forum to see if any more information comes to light.

Trev.

[dognose]

Here's four possibles:


Bardey


Hamilton


Mackey


Douglas

All similar, but note the style of the gripped hand on the Douglas crest.

Trev.

[robert12]

Hi Trev, thanks for the crests,
The Douglas Crest is certainly very similar.
Douglas is also a name that comes up in Cape searches so
maybe a good possibility tongs were made for a clan member there.
Did the Irish John Townsend die in Ireland or possibly relocate to the Cape ?
I don't think his known working dates clash.
The tongs are good quality as most Irish ones are---so maybe
Keep hunting,

Bob