Request help with a Serial Number, additional to hallmarks

[owendobson]

Dear All,

I have recently bought a set of 4 Birmingham silver 'Allied Flags' menu holders. They are clearly marked for William Comyns, 1914. But, they each bear an extra serial number (A 6939) and I am hoping that someone can tell me what this number refers to?

I have searched this forum (and wider) and it doesn't seem to fit being either a Registry or Patent number. The box bears the retailers name of "R. Ashworth & Co Ltd. Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Harrogate". I wonder is it a retailers mark?







Apologies if this is the wrong part of the forum to ask this question. My main interest is Georgian era silver, but every so often I can't resist buying something that is outside this area (still, its all part of the learning process).

Thank you, Owen

[dognose]

Hi Owen,

Nice set.

The number would have been applied by the manufacturer, it's an internal code that would relate to a batch or pattern number. It would be useful to a retailer should they want to order this particular product.

Trev.

[owendobson]

Trev, that is really helpful (and fast!) ... many thanks indeed. Thanks for the compliment on the set too. I haven't seen any others like this, although (particularly given what you say the numbers refer to) there are bound to be many more. I guess that there will be a complete set of the Allied Flags out there (note to self...that is not a challenge to find them all!). Regards, Owen