Tea Caddy Spoon... no city mark?

[rynegold]

Is it missing or what? Made for export? I just like this little piece but before I bid/buy I'd like to know "where" is was made.

regards, mitch

s-l1600 by rynegold, on Flickr

s-l1600 (9) by rynegold, on Flickr

[rynegold]

Napthali Hart reg. 1812 is all I can come up with... the duty mark is George and the lion "facing" the viewer is pre 1820ish I beileve?

[silvermakersmarks]

Yes, Naphthali Hart, London 1812. It was normal for the London crowned leopard's head mark to be omitted on smaller items at this period. It was an anti-fraud measure to prevent the hallmark being transferred to a larger un-assayed piece which should have had the town mark on it. Other assay offices, notably Exeter, followed suit, but this is definitely a London hallmark and a London maker.

Phil

[silvermakersmarks]

Sorry - 1813, not 1812.

[rynegold]

Thanks for the reply!, great explanation... I''d never have thought of that.
So wouldn't it be something to find a "transferred" city mark?!! Now that would be cool!