Double Duty Marking “Provincial” Knife

[Essexboy Found]

Hello, I thought this may be an interesting image to post on the Forum. This is a composite of the hallmarks on a folding knife and a folding fork that I saw on line. I would have liked to post this in the “Sheffield Hallmarks” section, as that was Britain’s premier cutlery making centre but there are no visible Sheffield Guild mark or maker’s marks.



The noticeable factor is the double struck King’s head duty mark on the knife blade and the square cartouche standing lions. The latter suggests silver made at a provincial centre like Sheffield. On the Forum, double struck duty marking is well documented (double figure responses) at Newcastle as the indicator of tax rate change for silver in 1797.

viewtopic.php?p=30209#p30209

Less is recorded relating to other provincial centres though here is a quote from the referenced post (lost images).

“Another example of double duty marking for comparison, this one is probably from the Sheffield Assay Office."
"It has been noted in the past that with some Sheffield knives, when the handles are removed, more marks are revealed”

I am guessing these folding eating utensils were made in Sheffield. From the hallmarks are there any other Forum ideas? Hopefully the fork and knife will resurface for more silver fans to see.

Fishless

[dognose]

Hi Fishless,

Many thanks for posting this example, it is appreciated.

Trev.