posted 07-07-2002 09:17 AM            

I have a Georgian sweetmeat basket, fully and appropriately marked, inside the base, for London, 1785. Certain alterations of and additions to these marks have been made. Any explanations of these would be appreciated.
(A) Both the LHC and the LP have been carefully defaced, the LHC almost obliterated. Why? (Picture A)

(B) Inside the base there is a stamped Y, approximately the size of the date letter K. What does this signify? (Picture B)

(C) Outside, on the base, is a further stamp, approximately 4 mm high, of a shield bearing the letter V and surmounted by a crown. (Picture C) (This has been robustly and deeply struck, so much so that the base has been deformed and the basket no longer sits flat.) Again, what does this mark signify, and why would it be so carelessly struck?

Thank you for any information you might have.

DavidH

posted 07-07-2002 02:22 PM            

Both of the additional marks appear to be Dutch import marks, post 1814. The "y" mark is an import date letter, which should tell us when the piece was imported. The closest date match that I can come up with is 1833.

The fact that it is a Dutch import may explain why the Leopard's Head and lion passant are defaced. As for the carelessness of the strikes, whoever was doing the marking probably didn't care much, and, at any rate, if you punch too hard the first time, you can't exactly erase it and start over.

I hope this helps!