London single maker's mark.

[byronbay55]

Hi!

At times I find Brittish (London) Silver Items, mostly spoons and different kind of boxes from primary the 1600s, with a single maker's mark, -no other marks. Still the London Leopard's head was in use as early as in the 1300s, right?

Can anyone explain why the use of a single maker's mark, and is there some kind of timeframe?

Thanks,
Thomas

[silvermakersmarks]

2 questions: If there is only a maker's mark how do you know it's a London piece? Can you post pictures of examples?

Phil