Hello AG2012,
A bad marking day by the manufacturer. Many manufacturers held their own maker's punches and marked them prior to hallmarking, the item would then be tested and the rest of the hallmark would be applied which is why we see so many poorly marked maker's marks (marked by silversmiths) next to crisp hallmarks. The William Hutton makers mark would have been a particularly difficult one to punch especially without adequate support. Hope this helps.
kind regards
Craig
Thanks Craig,
We have small and simple punches in our jewelry workshop (.900 and 14K, initials) and when hammering them we make mistakes.You are right about William Hutton & Sons punch being big and not easy to be struck perfectly.
Kindest regards.