Pair of Casters - Maker's mark not traced

Don 1 · Post by **Don 1** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 1:17 pm

Hi All
Brought in for restoration, a pair of slightly mismatched casters which can be detached from their stands. The one has a broken off swag, the other has the finial detached.
The one has a complete hallmark ; Birmingham ; 1913 ; a Maker's mark "W & FR". The other, also Birmingham ; 1912 ; no maker's mark at all.

Both in addition bear stamps "Thomas 153 New Bond St.W"

I have looked through the meagre reference books I own for these Maker's mark (presumably brothers), without success. I have also looked under "W", "F" and "R" in the Birmingham as well as the London listings on this website.

Looking in the London listings ? because I have in the past sometimes found a Maker had marks registered in London, even though a piece might have a Chester or Birmingham mark (perhaps they moved ?).

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks and kind regards

Don 1

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blakstone · Post by **blakstone** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 1:12 am

Walter & Frank Rabone, 39 Lord Street, Birmingham, registered Dec 1882 (also registered Chester, Apr 1883); new marks registered in Oct 1911 at both Birmingham (39 Albion St.) & Chester (49 Frederick Street). They also had offices in London & Glasgow. They were the silver manufacturing half of a company which (by 1905) included the jewelry manufactory Albion Chain Co.; both were acquired by S. Blanckensee in 1927.

Hope this helps!