single mark on a funnel

[zilverik]

Hi,

This funnel, probably for wine, has a hole near the top to hold it with a string around the neck or just to attach it to a wall (or something else). There is only 1 very worn mark and I am not able to make an interpretation of it or how to read it. The last two pictures are the same mark (one upside down).
Weight: 100 gramms, high: 10 cm, diameter: 8,2 cm. On the inside of the lip is an inscription : " 3=9 ". No idea what that means. Maybe someone knows?

Regards,

Zilverik

[rat-tail]

Hi
Sorry can't offer any insight into the maker's mark, but the 3=9 might be a scratch weight - the weight of the silver sometimes scratched in some inconspicuous place on the piece as it leaves the silversmith in early pieces. 3 ounces 9 dwart would probably be about 106-108 grams, not unrealistic considering the hole in the top of the piece may have been where the original thumb piece came adrift. Only am not sure whether continental silversmiths used scratch weights - and here I'm assuming it's a continental piece - regards Frank

[zilverik]

Hi rat-tail,

The weight is 101 grams. Maybe it is not a wine funnel but a funnel for a pharmaceutical purpose. For instance to put medical powder in a pot. And maybe that explain the "3=9" on the inside?

Regards,

Zilverik