Ladle

[amena]

Hi
I saw this ladle at auction with a punching that leaves me somewhat perplexed.


Hallmarks are struck twice and seem perfectly overlapping, as if it were a single punch.
is this normal or is there something suspicious?
Thanks for attention
Amena

[dognose]

Hi Amena,

It's rare, but it does sometimes happen.

See: viewtopic.php?f=38&t=21389

If I can, I'll replace the missing images soon.

Trev.

[amena]

Thanks Trev for the prompt reply.
Therefore it is deduced that the four punches were grouped together and struck as a single punch.

[dognose]

Yes, the punches are held together in what is known as a 'stub', and struck with one blow using a hand-operated fly-press.

See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screw_press

Trev.