Help Identifying Maker's Mark - 1850-1870 Possibly Robert Davies?

Morning all,

I’ve been having a bit of a time trying to identify the Maker’s Mark on this silver mounted pipe. I believe it’s from anywhere between 1850-1870. The date mark looks like it’s probably 1867 but a second opinion would be grand as I am a complete beginner at this. I also think the maker might be Robert Davies, but unsure whether the 1867 would be too late for him.

The pipe itself is a briar wood stem with an ivory bowl (listed in description). From further research I believe it’s more likely that it’s meerschaum. The silver mounting is on the bowl itself, an intricate hinged lid with a man riding a horse atop it, as well as on the connecting point between the stem and the bowl, as seen in the pictures.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!


Davis, Robert, 91, updated

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The hallmark is not very clear. I see a maker’s mark (RD), a duty mark which is probably not Victoria (1837 onwards), the lion passant for sterling silver, a date letter which might be m and the uncrowned leopard’s head for London (1821 onwards). That RD mark is not shown by Culme who lists all makers’ marks from 1838 until 1914. I am currently away from home and do not have access to my copy of Grimwade but I suspect that he will list RD as being Robert Davies as a known pipe mounter and that the date will prove to be 1827. I will confirm when I return home - unless anybody else has a copy of Grimwade…

Phil


“…a date letter which might be m…”

Thank you all for the help! I can attempt to get more pictures when I’m back in the office on 17th Feb. Unfortunately both the curator and I agree that the mark might be too smudged/damaged(?) to accurately date. There is the same hallmark imprinted onto the pipe bowl which I can also get pictures of soon.

If it is 1827 that significantly alters our view on the history of this object! An interesting case indeed.

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