Unknown maker

[15121990]

Hi,

Recently acquired this Dundee toddy ladle, any ideas on possible maker? Could the H be the maker's mark and not a date mark?





Any input appreciated.

Iain

[dognose]

Hi Iain,

The mark has been attributed in the past to James Harris of Dundee, but I've always had a sneaking feeling that we are not supposed to know the actual maker. Similar marking has been noted by 'D' with three pots of lillies, and 'W' with three pots of lillies, and I think that such marking was applied following pressure by the Edinburgh Assay Office to make Dundee silversmiths comply with the hallmarking laws of the period, threatening them with large fines for non-compliance. The striking of the single letter would no doubt make it harder for the authorities to successfully prove the identity of the manufacturer.

Trev.

[15121990]

Thanks Trev, helpful as always. I'd seen a ref to D but couldn't find anything specific for the H stamp. We're a lawless lot up here :-)

best,

Iain