Sterling Snail, Unable to Identify

[sfsilver]

Hello, I have a sterling silver snail that I am unable to identify. Here is the picture of the snail as a whole:

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As you can see from the next picture, it has the common mark of the lion, and seems to be marked F (meaning foreign?). In this mark, F-lion-Q is the order, but in another place, it is listed as lion-Q-F-shield. Is the TG the makers mark?

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This is an extra mark of which I can't tell its importance (possibly none).

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Any information would be hugely appreciated. Thank you so much for your help.

[SteveDWollongong]

Hi Sfsilver,

Welcome to the forum. What a great little box! I would think either a pill or snuff box. If it has a high lip around the base or lid of the opening, then most likely for snuff.

As far as the marks go, you are correct regarding the import letter F. So they read:

TG - Sponsor mark for Thomas Glaser who was a well known silver importer registered London 1886.
Lion Passant - Sterling silver
Date letter Q ( London )- 1891
Import Letter F - Used 1867 - 1904
Leopards Head - London assay

The other rubbed mark/s may very well be the original makers mark. If you search on Thomas Glaser you will find that there are examples of his imported items with makers marks that have yet to be identified.

By the style of your snail, I would think most likely Hanau, Germany or the Netherlands to be the original source but this is again just an opinion. Additional photos taken through a magnifying glass or loupe of the other mark/s may help to identify it if they are known and legible.

Cheers,
Steve