I am trying to research a pair of silver figural spoons. From the marks I understand that they should be English sterling silver made in London between 1720-1783 which would fit with the style of clothing of the figures, but I am sceptical and think they may be later (19th. century) in which case could the marks be mock marks, or fake? I am puzzled because the date letter looks like a gothic t which doesn't look like those used in that period (or maybe I am not seeing it correctly and it is a different year code) and I am puzzled by the number of stamps, am I right in thinking that there should only be 4 marks instead of the 6 on these spoons? Also I am puzzled by the fact that some of the marks are upside down, is that normal? Both spoons also have a Dutch import stamp ("V") which indicates that they were imported into Holland between 1902-1953 (but that doesn't say anything about when the items were originally made of course, it only indicates that tax/import duty was paid over them when they were imported).
So my main question is: are these genuine 18th. century examples with correct marks? Or if they are later pieces then where and when were they made? Many thanks in advance for any help or opinions!
Andrew in Holland
