I have just joined your forum because I have messed up and sold some silver and gold items without double checking. This time I am trying to do things right and wondered if anyone can help me with this hallmark please?
I know an anchor mark is Birmingham but is it unusual for the anchor to be sideways? Also am I correct in thinking the date letter is a b?
Sideways anchors are normal for Birmingham at specific periods: 1860 to 1899 and 2000 onwards. You date letter here is v not b. The difference is subtle and confuses even some dealers.
1876 b
1895 v
Thank you very much for your quick and helpful reply. I am shocked that it’s a letter v and so glad I checked. So it’s not dated 1901 
How interesting. I will now look up the v date letter.
Is the maker James Fenton?
James Fenton - 100%, 1895.
Thank you for confirming the maker. I’m glad I got something right 
The date letter will at least stick in my memory now. The 1 reason I gave up learning them 25 years ago … how I wish I stuck at it. Sadly I chose ceramics (hindsight is 20/20)
