posted 01-09-2005 09:47 PM            

I have a most peculiar pendant or possibly fob medal - not sure which. I bought it in an antique store in Australia and have had a bail attached to the piece so I can wear it as a pendant.

The piece is of a square shape and approximately 1 inch on all sides. It has silver and gold on the face of the piece although the piece is predominantly silver. It appears to be Scandinavian in design.

It is predominantly made of silver and features in the center a gold winged man carrying a staff. I have the feeling it might be an image of THOR but am unsure.

The silver part of the piece has the traditional stylized Scandinavian/Celtic dragon heads and other zoomorphic type designs. On the back of the piece there are the following marks: 925 18K & R(?)9352.

I think the back could possibly read RD9352, RD9852 R19852 or R19352.

Can anyone give me some guidance on this?
When did the 18K symbol become used for gold and in what countries was it used?
Is anyone aware of a Registered Number being used on jewellery instead of the usual hallmarks? And if so where would that place be?

I am at my wits end regarding the age and country of origin of this piece - Could you help?
I can provide photos if requested.

posted 01-09-2005 10:32 PM            

First, the absence of any hallmarks or other marks lead me to believe that it isn't European. The "RD" is almost certainly a design registry number, which usually points to the UK. I doubt this, though, since "18 Kt" & "925" are decidedly un-British; "18 Ct" and "Sterling" would be more appropriate (particularly in light of the 1884-1885 date the RD number, if British, would indicate.) And again, the absence of true hallmarks is troubling.

Since you got it in Australia, and Australia uses a design registry system similar to the UK, is there any reason to suppose it isn't Australian? I confess I am out of my discipline here; perhaps some member down under can be of some help.