It looks like a poorly struck or possibly damaged mark of YC. As far as I know this retailer has yet to be identified.
The Chinese character is the master's mark, which has appeared on an item made for the late 19th century Hong Kong retailer Kwong Man Shing.
See
http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic ... 38&t=24259
I am unsure what, if anything, can be extrapolated from identifying the maker's mark.
Hopefully someone else will be able to provide a more complete answer.
Regards
DR