Calling Card case

[mgnewman1]

The mark is too difficult to photograph, but it APPEARS to be a fasces (roman axe), as illustrated here:



the mark is on the clip, and is accompanied by the word "sterling" and the numbers "5440"
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(admin photo edit - images too large - link only - see Posting Requirements)
Any help with identification would be greatly appreciated

Mark Newman

[2209patrick]

Might be the mark of William B Kerr. Check here:
American Marks 7

Pat.

[mgnewman1]

I went through every page of the american marks on the web site. I cannot believe I missed it. The Kerr mark is exactly it. Do you think the numbers might be design patent? it would be just outside the 1880's, and the style isn't quite right for that era.
Any ideas?

Mark

[2209patrick]

I think the numbers 5440 are just a catalog or pattern number.

Pat.

[dragonflywink]

It's a cigarette case, though recently I've seen them used as business card cases.

~Cheryl