Southern Suburbs Horticultural Society Medal

[JanGroen]

Good evening

I have this beautiful sterling medal. I think the date is 1911. It was given out for the winning Carnations by the Southern Suburbs Horticultural Society. Will this be in Cape Town or another place? I am not sure of the maker SM & Co.
Any ideas?

Jannie

[silvermakersmarks]

This mark is not shown in any of the published references so the Birmingham Assay Office may be your only hope of finding the maker. I have seen it previously on a 1913 spoon and until seeing your medal I couldn't decide whether it was 1913 or 1938 ("o" or "O").

Phil

[Cuznerfan]

Sponsor mark for Sampson Marks & Co. listed as 'Shipping merchants' first registered with Birmingham Assay Office 28th May 1907 and finally 30 August 1939. Business address- 28A Frederick Street, Birmingham. Private address given as Johannesburg, South Africa.
Hope this helps.

[dognose]

Some small detail of the firm of Sampson Marks & Co. can be found here:

http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic ... on#p158326

Trev.

[joho]

Both Capetown and Johannesburg have suburban areas colloquially known as the 'southern suburbs'. I don't know much about horticulture, but some of the plants on the medal look like protea, in which case Capetown would be most likely. Regards John