www.925-1000.com

The hallmarks are pretty worn on this 7-1/2" gravy ladle, so I'm not sure of the city. It has the lion passant and the maker (R.S), so I checked for that maker's mark and found Robert Scott II in New Castle. But as I said, I'm not sure of the city -- and the date code is also worn away. I'm not sure if there was a duty mark or not.

Also, it has a very odd monogram -- a ram or goat sitting upright. I'm not sure what that's all about.

Any help is appreciated.

Is the goat perhaps Masonic?

I think that this is more likely to be Robert Sallam of London. Newcastle marks before the duty mark was introduced did not have the "pip" at the bottom of the lion passant mark so it can't be Newcastle.

Phil

So you think there never was a duty mark, dating this prior to 1785?

Most of the date letter is worn away, but the circular left side of the letter with a line coming down to the edge leads me to think a script "Q", 1771.



Also, the city code does appear to be the crowned leopard head.

I agree - 1771 Q looks very likely:





Phil

Phil,
Thanks so much for the help -- I didn't notice the "pip" on the bottom of the lion passant mark. It's amazing how the tiniest detail can really open everything up!

Thanks again,
Dave

Hello,
Whilst the engraving of the crest is not fully clear it is not dissimilar to that of Hamilton, Scotland being a demi-goat affrontee, holding between the fore-legs a human heart, all ppr. Reference Fairbairns Book of Crests, plate 128.4.
Regards,
Trevor.

Trevor,
The goat is indeed holding a heart -- see the new photo taken under 10x magnification.

Thanks,
Dave