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english forks

Posted: Fri Aug 25, 2006 11:50 am
by teddybearwis
I have three forks with two iron tines with the lion passant and makers mark WA in a box. They are compose of a thin layer of silver over a resinous substance. They are pistol handled with scroll decoration on the bottom. There is a curved ribbon with " qui metanget penitebit on it. Loosley translated it means something like those who fear/dread penance. Beneath there is a standing cat with one leg raised. Any help would be appreciated. I cannot take clear enough pictures

Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 1:04 pm
by Scotprov
The maker could be William Abdy I who was a haftmaker in London 1763-90.
The motto means "He who touches me will regret it". depends on the position of the wildcat, if on both rear legs, both paws raised, it was Gillespie-Stainton; if standing on left rear foot, left foot and paw out stretched, right paw raised, it's Macpherson crest.