posted 12-12-2002 04:26 PM              

I have acquired a Scottish Silver Brooch.

I have been up all night perusing the internet, to try and figure out it's hallmark, date, maker's mark, etc.

But, to no avail. I am still not certain.

To describe it quickly:

It is 3 inces in width, has thistles (I found this to be a typical Scottish pattern) engraved all around the silver out side of the brooch encasing a prong set large purple stone (Might be glass, not sure it is amethyst). The stone is also held by four pieces of silver that are soldered to the back of the brooch.

It has a "C" style clasp, but it does have a lock. (Added on later?).

Now for the markings:

First is has an engraved marking of the word Scotland. Then directly underneath and to the left is RA in a recessed circle. Then following that is 4 markings in a row. The first looks like the older thistle (I also viewed these on the Hallmark web page), but they just didn't seem to match perfectly. This marking is recesseed in a beveled box that dips to a point at the bottom. Then next to it, is a lion (rampant possibly)raised up on his legs with some of his limbs in the air (also recesseed in a beveled box that dips to a point at the bottom). The third mark, is of a wreath with what looks to be a vase or flower? in the center of it's two branches on either side(also recesseed in a beveled box that dips to a point at the bottom). The last and fourth marking is of a bold, upper cased and cursive written B, recessed in a clover or flower shaped box.

Could you possibly help me? I would love it if you could then may be I can finally let it go and get some much need sleep.

Thank you ever so much.

posted 12-12-2002 07:32 PM              

The first marking, after the RA, is of what looks to be a tree. It almost looks to be a tree, but at it's base it almost resembles a Japenese character. It definitely resembled the hallmarks web page I was looking at, but not precisely.

The other thing I wanted to mention is the third marking that resembles the two wreaths (sort of what you would think a Greek Olympiad would have worn a long time ago), could have been two branches of thistles on either side of a vase or flower that lies in the center.

That's all. I am just so tired, that even though, I had reread my last message before I posted, I still didn't manage to put the words to paper (or email in this case),as I would have liked. Ah well, patience is a virtue.

Thanks again ever so much!

Sorry for the confusion.

I look forward to hearing back from you!