What does I F at top of York downpipe with date 1763 stand for

[browner]

Opposite York Minster south entrance there is a large house. The top of the downpipe has I 1763 F inscribed on it, with shape of elephant above. What does the I and F stand for ? Thanks

[Lil O'lady]

They will be the initials of whoever lived in the houe when the drainpipe was made.

[dothawkes31]

possibly the initials of a local iron foundry that may have manufactured the pipe. If it was the initials of the people who built the house it would tend to be over the door in a lintel or on a plaque under the eaves or level with the first floor windows. It could be the India Iron Foundry maybe, is it an Indian Elephant or an African elephant? (it's about the size of the ears)

[dothawkes31]

I think if it was the original house owners who felt such pride in their house, their initials would be in a far more prominent position on the building, unless it is a York tradition. i have seen initials on drainpipes on stately homes and manor houses.

[browner]

Thanks for answer. You may be on the right track. It looks like an Indian elephant