Small silver box from London

[Vantlicht]

This silverbox is marked with the london hallmarks en the letter a for 1896. I can only find no match for the maker. It looks like HB, but I cannot find a match. Who can help me out?

[juantotree]

Hi

I am thinking the H maybe the surname, possibly George Heath or George Howson, however the other letter is badly worn.

Martin

[silvermakersmarks]

The H could be at the beginning or end of the mark. It is not unknown for a maker's mark and the hallmark to be in different orientations but I think it is more likely that the H is the last letter. However I cannot quickly find a "--H" or even a "H--" mark with that shape (straight horizontals and semi-circular ends).

Phil