letter-sander

fripou · Post by **fripou** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 6:22 am

Hello

I bought this loverly item : it was used to sand the ink so it dried instantly, as seen in period movies .

The only mark is the French swan, for unknown origin.

Can someone please tell me how a piece like this can be unmarked : it is chiseled and of very good quality, so I would expect to see a maker's mark and a duty mark.

Does this also help to date it?

Thanks
FranÃ§ois

georgiansilver · Post by **georgiansilver** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 10:43 am

I know little about French marks but is the swan a silver mark which has been stamped on small items of silver since the early 1800's? Don't take my word for it of course. Best wishes, Mike.

Hose_dk · Post by **Hose_dk** » Sun May 28, 2006 2:18 pm

This swan was used in the 16th and 17th century in Zwickau (DDR part of Germany)
Now yuor item is not 17th century - but it gives you a place to start searching.