Birmingham Date letter? and Makers mark?

mc-mama · Post by **mc-mama** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 10:53 am

Hi All
Thank you for your help!

I have a Birks bracelet with the pictured marks
I have figured out the Birmingham part but I'm not sure about the date latter 'R' but it is a different R than I have found pictured anywhere
I am guessing by the style of the bracelet it was made sometime between 1920 to 1950

Could anyone identify that 'R' for me for a definitive date?

Also, the makers mark of 'S & P'

Anyone know this maker?

Thanks
Dana

mc-mama · Post by **mc-mama** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 11:05 am

Obviously I am not posting the image correctly - sorry

let's try that again

Post by **dognose** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 2:55 pm

Hi Dana,

That "R" is the date letter for 1966, sorry I can't help with the maker.

Trev.

Post by **2209patrick** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 3:09 pm

Smith & Pepper Ltd., Vyse Street, Birmingham, England.

Pat.

mc-mama · Post by **mc-mama** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 3:21 pm

Thanks so much for the speedy replies!

I am wondering about the date though - not disputing just trying to learn a bit :)

I thought the anchor/lion combo was only used until 1945 (or so ) and now when I look up Smith & Pepper it shows they were only in busines 1890 to 1945

Could it be from the 40s instead?

Post by **2209patrick** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 3:36 pm

Looks like Birmingham, 1966 to me.

Pat.

mc-mama · Post by **mc-mama** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 3:45 pm

It sure does look like 1966

So, do you know was Smith & Pepper still producing jewellery in 1966?

I did look it up but you know how it is, if you don't really know where to look - I could easily be finding the wrong info

Post by **2209patrick** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 3:53 pm

I know Smith & Pepper Ltd. was still in business during the 1950's.
Think it's a safe bet they were still working in the 1960's.
Can't offer any sites that prove it though.

mc-mama · Post by **mc-mama** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 4:35 pm

Aha!

found this info ....

History
Smith & Pepper was founded by Charles Smith (1867-1933) and his uncle Edwin Pepper (1858-1935). The company registered their 'S&P' mark with the Birmingham Assay Office on the 5 September 1899. From the beginning, Smith & Pepper made gold bangles, brooches, cufflinks, lockets and crosses, and continued to make many of the same designs throughout their history, specialising in bracelets. When Smith & Pepper closed down in 1981 the premises remained virtually undisturbed for a decade. The factory was 'rediscovered' in the late 1980s and Birmingham City Council took the decision to convert the site into a museum to tell the story of the Jewellery Quarter and promote the area as a tourist destination.