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Hi All - Any help with these marks would be appreciated - two presumably late 18th century silver dessert forks marked with an anchor, J.H and a small mark that looks like an infinity symbol with two dots in the rounded sections. My first thoughts were early Birmingham, but there is no lion passant, so presumably provincial. All thoughts appreciated. Bonus would be any info on the silversmith - regards Frank

Hi Frank,

They look like Calcutta to me. John Hunt used 'JH' and an anchor, I believe there was also a J. Hicks who used similar marking, both worked out of Calcutta.

Hopefully someone will have a copy of one of Wynyard Wilkinson's books on the subject to confirm/deny.

Here is a link to John Hunt's mark: http://www.925-1000.com/ix_HuntJ.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; but I suspect from from what I can remember of Hick's mark that he (Hicks) is the maker.

Regards Trev.

Hi Frank & Trev.

I have Wynyard Wilkinson"s original book.
Does not mention J. Hicks.
Here are a few marks shown for John Hunt.



Pat.

Hi Frank and Pat,

I've just heard back from the original source that offered a possibility that this mark may have been that of a J. Hicks rather than John Hunt. Following further research, the possible attribution to Hicks is now considered incorrect and the doubt is removed, they are now of the opinion that this is indeed the mark of John Hunt.



Regards Trev.

Hi Pat and Trev
Thanks so much for your thoughts here - am thrilled to add some an early Indian colonial pieces to the collection. And sorry for not getting back to you sooner - but appreciated - regards Frank

Another example of the work of John Hunt:





A pair of salt spoons 4" (10cm) in length. Old English pattern.

Trev.

Hi Trev - a fantastic pair of salt spoons - thanks for sharing them with us - most envious of course - regards Frank