Silver Hallmarks on Scottish Dirk’s Scabbard

dana_w · 16th April 2015, 09:45 PM

I’ve checked the books that I have and several online sites, but haven’t been able to identify the silver hallmarks on this Scottish dirk’s scabbard . Can someone point me in the right direction.

The photos are copyright (c) 2015 by Dana K. Williams. All Rights Are Reserved

Norman McCormick · 16th April 2015, 10:07 PM

Hi Dana,
Edinburgh 1895, sorry I can't determine the maker.
Regards,
Norman.

spiral · 16th April 2015, 10:14 PM

The hallmark formation would imply TJ silversmiths in Edinborough around 1900.
But no silversmiths there at that time have used such poor quality stamps..
The marks are a fake..
Sorry but that's true..
spiral

Norman McCormick · 16th April 2015, 10:24 PM

Thomas Johnston C1900 on a dirk mount. http://www.silvermakersmarks.co.uk/M...Edinburgh.html

dana_w · 16th April 2015, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norman McCormick

Hi Dana,
Edinburgh 1895, sorry I can't determine the maker.
Regards,
Norman.

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiral

The hallmark formation would imply TJ silversmiths in Edinborough around 1900.
But no silversmiths there at that time have used such poor quality stamps..
The marks are a fake..
Sorry but that's true..
spiral

Thanks Norman McCormick, and spiral. I've found some examples of Edinburgh marks at www.silvercollection.it (see below). Those on the scabbard are close, but not exactly the same.

It looks like the "O" in an oval would be 1870-71. Do I have that wrong Norman?

From your comments I understand that your dubious of the marks spiral. Other that their "poor quality" is there any other reason? Do you think the dirk is a fake, or were fake contemporary marks being used?

Does anyone else have an opinion?

spiral · 16th April 2015, 10:36 PM

Edinburgh hall marks at that era were usually at this clear..

Even in a bad focus photo...

dana_w · 16th April 2015, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norman McCormick

Thomas Johnston C1900 on a dirk mount. http://www.silvermakersmarks.co.uk/M...Edinburgh.html

WOW! Thanks so much Norman.

I'll add that www.silvermakersmarks.co.uk to my list.

Norman McCormick · 16th April 2015, 10:41 PM

Hi Dana,
Definitely 1895 and not a fake as far as I can see.
Regards,
Norman.

dana_w · 16th April 2015, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiral

Edinburgh hall marks at that era were usually at this clear..

Even in a bad focus photo...

I'll take your opinion into account spiral, but I've seen some poorly struck marks from other places that are probably right.

dana_w · 16th April 2015, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norman McCormick

Hi Dana,
Definitely 1895 and not a fake as far as I can see.
Regards,
Norman.

Thanks again Norman!

spiral · 16th April 2015, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dana_w

I'll take your opinion into account spiral, but I've seen some poorly struck marks from other places that are probably right.

Ok, I must admit Ive seen dubious marks that were true myself. And its certainly not my area of study...

Apologies if my sceptical view was incorrect...

Ive probably just seen to many dubious items over the years...

spiral

Norman McCormick · 16th April 2015, 11:01 PM

All's well that ends well.

dana_w · 16th April 2015, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiral

Ok, I must admit Ive seen dubious marks that were true myself. And its certainly not my area of study...

Apologies if my sceptical view was incorrect...

Ive probably just seen to many dubious items over the years...

spiral

Thanks for your input too spiral. It is always a good idea to be skeptical if something doesn't look right to you.

Having lots of examples to look at and opinions to consider are two of the reasons this forum is so useful.

spiral · 16th April 2015, 11:16 PM

O yes... bit embarrassing though!

But always best if one realises ones barking up the wrong tree to accept it though....

Otherwise one just digs oneself a bigger hole..

spiral

asomotif · 17th April 2015, 08:50 PM

Ps. leaving the markings behind...

what a wonderfull carved handle ! simpel and elegant.

16th April 2015, 09:45 PM	#1
dana_w Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Southeast Florida, USA Posts: 429	Silver Hallmarks on Scottish Dirk’s Scabbard I’ve checked the books that I have and several online sites, but haven’t been able to identify the silver hallmarks on this Scottish dirk’s scabbard . Can someone point me in the right direction. The photos are copyright (c) 2015 by Dana K. Williams. All Rights Are Reserved Attached Images

16th April 2015, 10:14 PM	#3
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	The hallmark formation would imply TJ silversmiths in Edinborough around 1900. But no silversmiths there at that time have used such poor quality stamps.. The marks are a fake.. Sorry but that's true.. spiral Last edited by spiral; 16th April 2015 at 10:38 PM.

16th April 2015, 10:24 PM	#4
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,575	Thomas Johnston C1900 on a dirk mount. http://www.silvermakersmarks.co.uk/M...Edinburgh.html Attached Images

16th April 2015, 10:41 PM	#8
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,575	Hi Dana, Definitely 1895 and not a fake as far as I can see. Regards, Norman. Attached Images

16th April 2015, 10:07 PM	#2
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,575	Hi Dana, Edinburgh 1895, sorry I can't determine the maker. Regards, Norman.

16th April 2015, 10:36 PM	#6
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	Edinburgh hall marks at that era were usually at this clear.. Even in a bad focus photo...

16th April 2015, 11:01 PM	#12
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,575	All's well that ends well.

16th April 2015, 11:16 PM	#14
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	O yes... bit embarrassing though! But always best if one realises ones barking up the wrong tree to accept it though.... Otherwise one just digs oneself a bigger hole.. spiral

17th April 2015, 08:50 PM	#15
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,221	Ps. leaving the markings behind... what a wonderfull carved handle ! simpel and elegant.