I have a 1934 silver and glass inkwell hallmarked for Birmingham and the Coronation. I am unsure of the makers mark as it has worn significantly more. This is the best image I can get. Can anyone help me? Many thanks in advance.
The victim of a lot of polishing, but I’m guessing Hardy Brothers:
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BTW, probably my last post here. Like another of the regulars, I’ve asked to have my account closed.
So long, and thanks for all the fish.
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Awh, that is a pity. Thank you so much for the help..I wouldn’t have known without you.
Hi there,
I just saw this pop up in my email. A few days late, but no matter.
This is my opinion: The grouped marks are consistent with Birmingham, sterling silver, the date letter K for 1934, and the special George V / Queen Mary Silver Jubilee commemorative mark. The Birmingham Assay Office confirms that the first voluntary commemorative hallmark was introduced in 1934 for the royal Silver Jubilee, and contemporary hallmark tables identify K = 1934.
Maker’s Mark - Partially rubbed away
The Anchor: For Birmingham sterling of the 1930s, your upright anchor is the expected conventional form.
The lion passant indicates sterling silver
The K in the stylized shield was used for the1934 Date Letter.
Profiles Coin Mark = King George V 1935 Jubilee Stamp (struck early starting in mid-1934).
If the date letter really is the Birmingham K corresponding to the 1934 assay year, and the adjacent profile device is the George V/Queen Mary Jubilee mark, those two features are not in conflict. Quite the opposite: the official Birmingham history explicitly says the commemorative mark began in 1934.
This is a very cool piece.
Looking back at the actual Maker’s mark itself. I’m inclined to agree with the other gentleman. It’s that slight curved in the bottom right of the mark. In that period I could only locate two relevant groups who used a curved shield around the letters, and the other one does not end in S.
It’s a shame it was over polished, but it’s still incredible. This is a genuine inkwell assayed with the 1934 Jubilee mark.
What a Gem! I don’t suppose you have a picture of the entire inkwell?
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