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This is not an enquiry about specific piece, but a general question. I had always understood that hallmarks on flatware read left to right until 1810, when they were change to read vertically, except for the lion passant which was struck at right angles to the other marks. This was to prevent the transposing of flatware marks onto larger pieces as a method of avoiding duty. This is confirmed in Jackson's and other text books.

However, I am finding pieces as early as 1805 with the "right angle lion passant" marks.

Any comments or opinions?

Paul.

Hi Paul,

The only thing that I can think of is that of a very slow process of ideas, trying them out, finding that they are successful in reducing the transposing of marks and finally becoming official policy in 1810.

Regards Trev.

Hello Trev,

I was thinking along the lines that the two systems ran concurently before the "right angle" marking became compusary in 1810. I cannot find any legislation relating to this change, but the quest continues!

Paul.