Cape Maker Query

[dognose]

Hi,

Can anyone offer an opinion regarding the maker of this spoon? It is stuck with this the same Cape pseudo marks as used by Fredrik Waldek, but this example is marked only with the letter 'M' without outline.



The punches are very similar, if not the same, as used by Waldek. Perhaps a shared use of expensive punches?



Spoon is 5"(12.8cm) in length and weighs 14gms.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Trev.

[agphile]

The pseudomarks are what David Murray has christened the Cape stub used by a supplier to the trade. David argues convincingly that this was Lawrence Twentyman. Waldek may have taken over the marks after Twentyman left SA.

I have the same incuse M mark on a fiddle pattern salt spoon that is also marked with the pseudos used by Lodewyk Beck.

I suspect the M relates to a retailer who bought in from Twentyman/Waldek and Beck.Relating it to a name would just be guesswork on my part; perhaps one of the Masseys listed in Welz, but who knows?

David

[agphile]

I should have checked my references before replying rather than relying on memory. Welz lists several variations of psedomarks for Beck including an example that is accompanied by an incuse M as well as "LB". It is possible therefore that M was one of Beck's punches and Beck bought in your spoon from Waldek. However I would still favour M as being a separate retailer.

David

[dognose]

Hi David,

Many thanks for the information. After what you have stated, it does seem likely that 'M' was the retailer of this spoon.

Regards, Trev.

[dognose]

I came across this image in my files, I don't recall where it came from, but it apparently shows similar marking to the one David mentioned by Lodewyk Beck.



The positioning of the 'M' mark may well indicate that of a later striking perhaps, as there was ample room left between the pseudo marks.

Trev.

[agphile]

Yes. This looks as if it may be the original of the mark that Welz records in simple black and white. It is certainly very similar.

David

[agphile]

Just for comparison, here is the mark on my saltspoon: the incuse M above the head and animal marks associated with Beck as well as another unclear mark.