Much Better I'll get the book back out again. I was wondering about the corners of the square as they make all the differnce.
I'll be back.
Gozzo
Posted on: April 04, 2012, 09:01:34 PM
Back again, Silver, see how the square isnt actually square, it has little outward flicks on the corners. If they wernt there i would stick with my original statement that its Scottish. However the book I have, has in it's words " the more important makers marks from 1697-1900 and the hallmark makers mark, date mark, used in the UK from 1554. That square with the tails is not anywhere in the book. So that would lead me to one of two conclusions, due to the fact that the craftmanship of the button is good, its not likely the maker was unknown. So it would have to either predate 1697, or be from another part of Europe I would lean to the latter. Hallmarks are awesome things that should never be over looked. as the slightest variation can make a huge difference. On the bright side even though I cant nail it down for you, I can tell you with some authority it's not common. which I hope makes it all the sweeter for you. what part of the UK did you find it in?and are you aware of any influx of immigrants to that area? as I'm now as intrigued by it as you no doubt are lol. Beutiful find mate, not only old, intact but traceable to the year and area it came from, however at the moment that is a bit of a mystery. most antique dealers could tell you in a flash what it is, how ever be careful of offers. I once found a set of tiny tongs for serving sugar, I dont recall their proper name, in a charity shop. I bought them for next to nothing simply because I liked the craftmanship of them. I took them years later to a dealer with a view to sell thinking maybe they are worth $20 which was four times what I paid. And the guy offers me a tenner, whilst swallowing a huge lump in his throat and doing a triple eyeball at the hallmark. I refused his offer and went to another dealer and asked not if they would buy them, but if she could help me ID the marks,the lass took one look, smiled said "oh my I dont believe it " they were over 400 years old, then told me they were worth at least $800 and would have been worth $1000's more but they had been repaired. She gave me $350 as she had to make a profit to. Ever since I have loved, looking up hall marks.Somebody has posted one with a boar on here, which I believe may be a regiment symbol. I have a silver cigarette case with a similar style, But it's just the boars head and it is from the " 5th/6th Bn The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders " it's amazing what those little marks tell. Sorry I couldn't give you a definite ID.
Gozzo
Linkback: You are not allowed to view links.
Please Register or Login
http://www.thunting.com/smf/index.php/topic,35770.msg218934.html#msg218934
Dig it, you know you WANT to.
