Hallmark Help on Antique Cruet/Castor Set

[henley31]

Hi can anyone help me with the marks on this antique castor or cruet set? I believe it to be of sterling silver due to lion passant mark and the other mark indicates the town of London. I cant make out the last mark to determine the date. Above those marks are initials that I cant completely make out either which I assume to be the silversmith, looks like EL maybe. :( Also, Ive searched everywhere but cant find anything on the other mark that's separate from those markings. Since the other markings tell it "all" so to speak Im not sure what this mark would be for, perhaps the retailer in which the item was sold ? It looks like 3 letters and then JOURS followed by LTD ? in a half circle with a mystery animal (lol) below. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Sorry the photos aren't the best! Thanks in advance!

[silvermakersmarks]

This certainly appears to be a London hallmark with the crowned leopard's head indicating a date prior to 1821. In addition there does not seem to be a duty mark so that puts the date earlier than 1784. I would suggest that the the maker's mark, which I also read as EL, is most likely that of Edward Lowe, whose work includes cruet stands. He registered marks from 1760 through to 1777.

The other mark which you show is an armorial of the family who (probably) originally owned the cruet. If you can decipher the lettering to give the full motto it may allow you to identify the family. To me the first word looks like "TOUJOURS" which is French for "always" so the second word will also be French.

Phil

[henley31]

Thank you so much for your information! I had no idea the set would be that old, that's amazing! I too read thought the one word was TOUJOURS but when I searched online I came up empty handed. However, I was looking more as in a maker or retailer instead of a family name or what the word actually meant in French.....I'll keep searching and see what else I can hopefully find. Thanks again, your help is much appreciated!!