Silver Watch Case

[EEZABLADE32]

Hi,

I have a cigarette case with the following hallmark:- MHR ( I think as it's hard to decipher ), an anchor ( Birmingham ), lion passant facing right and the letter J.
Anyone advise the maker and time of making please.

Thx

Tony

[Barmaid]

Try looking here:- http://www.silvermakersmarks.co.uk/Makers/Birmingham-M.html


The letter denotes the date. Trouble is, they use the alphabet in rotation so its impossible to tell without seeing it.

[Peter Pedant]

God what a fantastic site !
thx Barmaid !

MHB doesnt seem to feature - what J - altho the years are cyclic
the Jays are a different shape Cap, lower case, serif, classic etc

[Buenchico]

To find a date you'll need to look at how the letter 'R' appears. e.g. is it within a shield, an octagon or whatever? Take a look here to compare your mark with the official list:
http://www.theassayoffice.co.uk/date_letters.html
(NB: You'll probably need to press Ctrl and + together a few times to make the page easier to view comfortably. Press Ctrl and 0 together to return to the default size).

The most authoritative online listing of makers' marks I know of is here:
http://www.silvercollection.it/hallmarks.html
'MHR' isn't listed but there are photographs available within the 'Images' sections, so you can look for something similar.

[Peter Pedant]

google assy year marks

J is uncommon for B'ham because of confusion
1933 or 1858 are likely candidates - if a watch you can date on style
1933 seems more likely

[EEZABLADE32]

Thx for the excellent answers.