QuestionQUESTION: Hello
We have been left some old jewelry by an aged aunt. This particular broach appears to be a mixture of silver and gold. It is 2 inches long with 3 'gold' flower heads on a 'silver' back, the centre flower has a silver stalk and leaves. In a diamond shaped inset on the back of the broach I can just see what appears to be a lion - an old fashioned M and an anchor, above these symbols are the initials TW. If it would help you I could e-mail a picture of it.
Thanks for any help
Joyce
ANSWER: Hello Joyce and thank you for your inquiry. I believe your piece is English. The Lion is the English icon for "Sterling" and the anchor represents the origin of the piece as far as assay was concerned - Anchor is Birmingham. The TW is probably the manufacturer and, unfortunately, I haven't been able to locate that yet. You may find a book in the library or site online that lists English sterling makers/silversmiths. If I find anything else, I will let you know. Sounds like a beautiful piece ! Enjoy !
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QUESTION: We borrowed a strong magnifier and discovered that what we thought was an old fashioned #m' was in fact a 'W' with a little tag on the first part of the letter indicating that is was in fact dated around 1896, which would fit with Great Aunt Millie age. But all research is still blocking us on the maker T.W.........the closest we can find is maybe a Thomas Willimore who was registered around 1785, so we are still no nearer finding the maker, unless he is a relative of Thomas Willimore of 1785.
We took the brooch to a so called expert on a UK antiques road show and he poo hooed the brooch as 'worthless junk' I would love to prove him wrong.
Thank you for your help.
Joyce Betts UK
AnswerHi Joyce - wish I could be of more help. I did find a TW in one of my Birmingham silver books - your Thomas Willmore. The book I have is Jackson's Hallmarks by Pickford. If you can get a copy you may be able to track it further. The experts don't always know.....and vintage sterling is never to be discounted in my opinion...Good luck !
