Unknown Hallmark on an Enamelled Matchsafe / Vesta Case

[silberdosen]

Hello!

Can anyone help me to identify the hallmark on the enamelled matchsafe?
There is just this one hallmark I can found on the case, no hallmark about the silver content, which I find very unusual. Or does the hallmark itself tells also the silver content?

I hope anyone can help me.

Thanks in advance.
Rainer



The matchsafe itself:

[admin]

Hi,
Beautiful piece, the mark is Italian, used from c.1872 until sometime in the first third of the 20th century. The form of your mark indicates .800 standard. At this time, silver assay was completely optional and the mark is not often seen, usually there is just a numerical standard mark, sometimes accompanied by a maker's mark.

Regards, Tom

ps. It is the lion of St. Mark, Venice

http://www.arthistoryarchive.com/arthis ... n-Art.html

[silberdosen]

Hi admin!

Thanks for the speedy and very informative answer.
The Italian hallmark fits perfect to the image on the case.

I learned that the inscription says:
Peace with you, Markus - My Evanganlist,
and the picture shows the Venetian Markus Lion.

Thanks again!
Rainer