Hi, I'm new to this forum so hopefully I'm doing this right? - I have run out of avenues to explore and am hoping that you guys might be able to help me identify the origin and maker of this spoon?!
I've handled a fair bit of silver including provincial, continental, American and eastern silver but am completely stumped with this set of hallmarks. The hallmarks are on a fiddle pattern table spoon approx 9" long and weighing 80g. The crest I believe is that of the Swinton family (Berwickshire). The spoon tests conclusively as silver.
http://oi51.tinypic.com/21b3gjp.jpg
http://oi51.tinypic.com/kduxle.jpg
http://oi56.tinypic.com/xkvuyb.jpg
The marks appear to be: GS (maker?) what looks like an eye, a possible winged creature playing a lute or carrying a bow, and the letter U. Incidentally, don't know if it is relevant, but I would suggest that the 3 hallmarks have been struck as a single stamp as they are perfectly uniform in size and alignment.
I initially thought that the marks may be some obscure Scottish provincial marks but I haven't been able to find anything similar. I have also explored possibilities including the Channel Islands, Wales and Ireland but no joy. I wondered whether the marks might be import marks but I can't find a match. I have trawled the various silver websites and books but not come up with anything.
Any help / insight / guidance greatly appreciated, thanks, Al.
Unusual hallmarks on a silver table spoon
Re: Unusual hallmarks on a silver table spoon
Hi Al
Checked and no such marks in Weltz so you can rule out Cape silver - what few resources I have on Australian or Canadian silver turned up a blank - Nothing on the forum's Indian colonial site - sorry not much help - good luck - Frank
Checked and no such marks in Weltz so you can rule out Cape silver - what few resources I have on Australian or Canadian silver turned up a blank - Nothing on the forum's Indian colonial site - sorry not much help - good luck - Frank
Re: Unusual hallmarks on a silver table spoon
Hi Al,
Welcome to the Forum.
I'll confess to be fasinated by this mark. It would appear that the mysterious 'GS' was an incurable romantic, as the mark is a rebus: 'Eye' - 'Winged Cupid with bow' - 'U', = 'I Love You'.
Just a shot in the dark, but perhaps this piece was part of a set made as a gift from the silversmith to his wife.
Trev.
Welcome to the Forum.
I'll confess to be fasinated by this mark. It would appear that the mysterious 'GS' was an incurable romantic, as the mark is a rebus: 'Eye' - 'Winged Cupid with bow' - 'U', = 'I Love You'.
Just a shot in the dark, but perhaps this piece was part of a set made as a gift from the silversmith to his wife.
Trev.
Re: Unusual hallmarks on a silver table spoon
Hi guys,
Sorry for not checking back sooner - am still trying to unravel this mark but keep drawing blanks.
Frank, thanks for looking.
Trev, well spotted on the romantic inference and possible associated gifting - the most plausible (and certainly my favourite) idea so far!
Cheers, Al.
Sorry for not checking back sooner - am still trying to unravel this mark but keep drawing blanks.
Frank, thanks for looking.
Trev, well spotted on the romantic inference and possible associated gifting - the most plausible (and certainly my favourite) idea so far!
Cheers, Al.