posted 09-06-2009 06:17 AM            

Hello all,

I own a Britannia Silver Queen Anne castor. The last mark on the right is a mystery to me. Other marks, from left appear to be Britannia (almost obscured) and Lion head erased for 1699-1714.

I am a collector, who also dabbles in the odd buy and sell. My main interests are George II items (George I too, but I can't afford them!). I would like to know what this right hand mark is. I have been right through Grimwade and just about every other book on silver I can find, with no result.

I got very lucky with this Queen Anne item - I don't see myself ever owning another, and won't be selling it. The hallmarking system gives nice security to buyers, but it surely also reduces the chance of a bargain!

Any assistance would be appreciated.

5mai

posted 09-07-2009 07:24 AM            

I assume from the photo that the mark may be something like a large initial followed by a smaller one with a pellet over it but I rather fear that not enough may remain for identification unless somebody recognises some small remaining detail or can get at it by knowing likely caster makers.

If it is any comfort, I have a good few pieces with marks too rubbed to decipher and now simply accept that this is inevitable with early silver unless one chooses to collect near perfect marks rather than attractive or interesting pieces.

posted 09-07-2009 05:04 PM            

I did use the method of covering the area with carbon black from a candle, applying adhesive tape and then sticking the tape to a sheet of white paper. But, I found the clearest impression came from applying the black and then rubbing this off lightly with my finger. This left black in the depressions. The downside is that some possibly irrelevant detail is picked up, but I don't think I can get a clearer impression. You are right about looking at marks in the flesh - the black impression is 2D only.