I have an antique cane with a concealed dagger. The blade is hallmarked M.McCONNELL SAN FRANCISCO.
Although unlikely silver, I am looking to ID this hallmark for the sake of dating the cane.
I have exhausted all my book and web references, so I'd be very thankful for any help ...
Several auctions mention McConnell’s blades/knives with at least one book reference having a period advertisement for him as a Cutler. (Sorry, no way to copy it.) A mark for [McConnell & Will S.F. Cal] does turn up on a box. Hope that helps at least get a direction.
A cutlery set sold in 2010 had a “solid silver” fork (reportedly marked) and a knife of similar handle with a two line mark on the blade (blurred and unreadable in images) which may correspond to your type of McConnell stamping. All in a lined case. He seems to be pretty well documented among select specialty circles.
Citation excerpt from newspaper: The Golden Era 20 May 1860 HUGH MCONNELL [that’s the spelling they showed as cited] Manufacturing Cutler and Surgical Instrument Maker…Jackson Street, Above KB ARNT [whatever that was]. (Left out the full text here for brevity.)
Thank you, all great leads.
Hugh McConnell looks to be the likely candidate here. I thought the stamp said M McConnell, but the first initial is not at crisp, and I believe it could also be an H.
Your help is very much appreciated.