1830 Birmingham shaving brush?

[reboulder]

Hi!
I am a total newbie to sterling silver but have tried to decipher the marks on this old shaving brush ...

Using information found here and on another site or two, I believe the marks below indicate the brush was made in Birmingham in 1830 but would sure appreciate confirmation by someone who is knowledgeable.

There is also a mark on the opposite side of the tube from those above and I wonder if it might be a maker's mark ...

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks!

[dognose]

Hi,

Welcome to the Forum.

Not Birmingham, but Providence, Rhode Island. See Gorham at: http://www.925-1000.com/Gorham_Date_Code.html

Trev.

[reboulder]

Trev, thank you SO much for your prompt response. I would never have guessed it was from Providence, RI! I am assuming the three marks place it in the c. 1863 - 1890's and wonder if that fourth mark might indicate the year 1888 and wonder whether you would agree. Many thanks again for your help!

Dick

[dognose]

Hi Dick,

The marks look good (to me) for the period stated. Hopefully someone better versed in American marks than me can offer their opinion, especially that of the other mark.

Trev.

[reboulder]

Your feedback is greatly appreciated, Trev. On closer examination, I think I am wrong about that fourth mark so will welcome comments from other forum members.
Thank you again!
Dick

[WarrenKundis]

Hi Dick,

There are only two Gorham date letter makes in an oval, I'm leaning more towards 1889 but I really can't see much of a profile there.

Anyone else?
Warren

[reboulder]

Many thanks for your input, Loren. It is an oval shape but the mark is definitely not clear at all. I wonder if it might have any purpose other than as a date mark.
Dick

[WarrenKundis]

Not impossible that it's a retailer's mark, not one in my limited experience that I have seen.

Good luck in your search Dick!
Warren