Early Patch box - Strange mark

[drlaser12]

This end of the 17th century patch box has a pleasant tactile quality. It measures 3.5 cm across and 1 cm in height. The back is shown with worn laurel-wreath decoration and amorous message. See Eric Delieb's 'Silver Boxes' for more information on similar items. The front carries a more common motive of a cupid running away with one heart and the words 'Un me sufit'. There is no maker's mark inside the box or in the lid, however there is a strange mark on the sides of both the box and lid. I wonder whether this is a tax mark of a specific country? Can anyone help me with this?

Thank you in advance,

Robbert.

[silsella]

The script looks very similar to that of the maker Jes Barkentin.

[drlaser12]

Thank you very much for this suggestion,Silsella.
I was almost sure this stamp could not be a makers mark. I will try and look this up.
It is a shame that I seem not to be able to open the reference e- books on the forum. Do you know of other ways to access these books online?
Thank you,
Robbert

[admin]

Hi,
You could try to access directly from:
http://books.google.com/books?q=&btnG=Search+Books
I would imagine you will still be blocked, but it is worth the attempt.
Do let us know if it makes a difference.
Regards, Tom

[drlaser12]

No luck Tom, but thanks anyway.
I will soon be in London:I might check on the books mentioned at some of the larger (second hand) book shops.

Dear Silsella,
Looking up on Google :Jes Barkentin is a Danish Arts and Crafts silversmith ,who is very unlikely to have something to do with this patch box.

I will be very grateful to anyone who is able to shed some light on the marks on this box!