Birmingham marked brooch/pin

[heidif]

I recently acquired these two brooches, with only the following info "very old from england". Only the one on the left is hallmarked - I'm reading Birmingham Silver - maybe that date stamp is a poorly stamped x? The best guess I have for the maker is Joseph Cook. Is this a family crest, just a decorative piece, or ?? Any insight you can give me on what I'm seeing here is appreciated.

[silvermakersmarks]

I agree Joseph Cook. The date letter is "i" for 1883; it is not immediately obvious as "i" as the dot and the base of the letter have merged together with wear and polishing. Watch fobs and brooches were mass-produced in a series of designs. Here the maker has increased the scope for indiviuality by combining 2 or possibly 3 components. This one is purely decorative and has no particular significance although we do see special commissions for sports clubs and the like.

You might also wonder why there is no duty mark, as there would normally be one before 1890. Birmingham used a slightly different marking style on pieces which were below the weight limit for compulsory hallmarking thus allowing silversmiths to take advantage of the guaranteed standard without paying the tax.

Phil