I am new to this also, but I think it is "Thomas Aston & William Aston", registered Birmingham 6 August 1857, the date letter on yours looks like a "K" ? and with the shape of the cartouche would date it to 1859? Could be one of the later K's also. here is the Birmingham assay office where I found this, perhaps you could better match the date mark while there also.
I searched the Birmingham Assay site before I posted here and didn't find the A&S mark. I think what threw me was not being able to enter the '&'. Tried it again without the '&' just entering AS and up it popped.
Thanks again, as always the forum comes to the rescue!
Actually I made a typo in the original post. It is a 'K' anf I meant to type 1859 and not 49. Good spot as the date letter was very obscure in my photo.
I was interested too find this entry to find this entry on-line as I "Googled" Aston & Son... I am slowly reading up and gathering information regarding these silversmiths - My interst being that the Son, William, married Sarah Harrison, my 3x great grand Aunt...
As an avid Birmingham Silver collector for some years (I started the genealogy a few months ago!) it is a strange coincidence to find this connection to my Mother's Harrisons - They were Birmingham Jewellers, Silversmiths, Goldsmiths, Gem setters, etc...
I would certainly be interested to learn more about Thomas and William Aston as well as the Harrisons.
Oddly enough there are marriage connections to the Stokes & Ireland Silversmiths and others as well.
I have discovered that my 4x great Grandfather, Henry Harrison (1786) and his sons Henry (1813) and Joseph (1815) had their business at 4 Howard Street, Birmingham. Listed in the business directories of the period as "Manufacturing Jewellers and real Jet ornament manufacturers" - They also appear in the "Gilt Toy Makers" catagory as well..
I have not found any manufacturers hallmark to identify them in reference books or on-line - I would be grateful for any advice.