www.925-1000.com

Hi,
I bought this pin for my sister Maggie. It seems to be British Sterling from Chester made in 1901, if I am reading the markings correctly. I was interested in knowing the maker. The inititals appear to be W.H.L. Also, does anyone know if this pin is of a particular type that was popular during this time? Were name pins the thing in those days?
Thank you,
Amy

Amy,

After spending a while researching these name brooches, I can say that they were almost all made between 1890 and 1910, and in either Birmingham or Chester. The design of yours was one of the more common ones. I've included pictures of two similar brooches.
I haven't been able to find out the maker however. It might be in The Compendium of Chester Gold & Silver Marks 1570 - 1962, but I don't have a copy.

Miles

Miles,
Thank you so much for your post and the pictures are great. My sister Maggie will get a big kick out of being part of a 100 year old fashion trend.
Thank you again,
--Amy

According to The Compendium of Chester Gold & Silver Marks 1570 - 1962 the mark appears to be for William Henry Leather, jeweller of 11 Pitsford Street Birmingham. Mark registered in Chester on May 31, 1894.

Regards/carling