WA, Canton, full name undocumented, Sweet Dish

[GregHodgson1]

I purchased this small mother of pearl sweet dish with dragon. Having consulted the wonderful reference Chinese Export Silver by Adrian Von Ferscht. I have concluded it is by WA, an undocumented silversmith from Canton circa 1845 - 1900. The marks on the back are very small as these needed to be punched into a Chinese Nut Screw. The chinese characters appear t to be different so an assumption is made that this may be an abbreviation of the mark in order for it to fit.

I was also wondering what the dragon has in his front claw. Could this be a cloud, representing good fortune and happiness?

I would appreciate anyone confirming my research.

As always many thanks.