Wondering if anyone can help pin down these marks on this antique silver Hovedvandsaeg. The marks are likely Scandinavian but I couldn’t find anything that could help me identify the maker or date range.
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https://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=227652&hilit=bergen#p227652
The ancient Hovedvandsaeg (Luktevannshus) has its origins in Norway and Denmark.
It was with this type of Scandinavian spice box that a young man indicated his intentions by handing a “hovedvandsæg” to his chosen young lady.
Literally meaning “drinking water egg,” it is an “egg” that contains “water” to invigorate the senses.
It is a descendant of the pomander and could also be called a vinaigrette because it was used to smell salt or aromatic vinegar. The liquid can be pungent substances like ammonia, which can make even the most bewildered lady forget about fainting due to poor hygiene and tight corsets. Rosewater can also be the main water.
A large number of these containers, in various styles, date from the 18th to the second half of the 19th century and are often personalized with initials pricked with a pin and a date. ‘Hovedvandsæg’ has been in various forms since around 1725. Earlier ones are heart-shaped and clearly marked inside the upper part of the lower half or inside the lid. Sometimes a semi-precious stone is placed above the lid, held between two birds or fish. Sometimes they have a standing foot that opens, sometimes only the foot, and sometimes not.
They were once a status symbol for women, who carried them in their pocket or small purse.
Searching mode is “ON”. 
Seven dots…
60 (for 1860), 1 over M (for the month of January), JH/IH (master mark, unknown for me), 13 1/3 (.833 silver, 13 1/3 parts per 16) and dots representing the seven hills of Bergen.
https://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=97783&sid=fbda4a5e4cf025a65d6c1774ee288e3d#p97783
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Well done Bart! And such a beautiful story around such a charming piece. Jealous!
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Thank U, Paul! —
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