William Bateman II Question (Quality Mark?)

[neurorocker]

This is a bit of an esoteric question. I have a group of three William Bateman II spoons and they're well marked for 1837. There is a very very small submark on them ('B'). What is this small mark? Is it a quality mark or something else? Anyone know?




Thanks!
Nate

[dognose]

Hi Nate,

It's a tally, or journeyman's mark.

See: http://www.925-1000.com/silverglossary5.html

and here's a post worth reading: viewtopic.php?f=38&t=8565&p=52677&hilit=mark#p52677

Trev.

[neurorocker]

I'd bet then that that is the single letter mark of Journeyman, Daniel Ball. Does that follow?

Thanks!
Nate

[dognose]

I know nothing of the history of Daniel Ball, but the workshops of Bateman business would have been extensive and employing many people.

I did, some years ago, find, what I think happened to WB II, see:

viewtopic.php?f=38&t=8565&p=31250&hilit=bateman#p31250

Trev.