QuestionI have a gold 'keeper'ring that was my grandmothers. It is a tooled band, 6mm wide and at least 107 years old. Inside the band is stamped McCabe, a tiny kangaroo, 18, and then what looks like a xmas tree with no trunk. Are you able to tell me what or who this refers to? My grandfather was at the WA goldfields in the late 1800's. I wonder if it comes from WA?
AnswerG'day Helen and many thanks for your query
The problem with hallmarks is that there is NO central registry and NO compliance requirements from ANY jewelry maker. This is also true of Jewelry Made in Australia.
Being part of the British Colonies - many items were in fact made in the UK with full British hallmarks - then transferred to Australia for resale. The Australian Goldmakers did NOT have an official hallmark.
Living in Australia and doing valuations and appraisals I have seen many variations through the years - but nothing 'Standard'. Your item may very well have been made in the WA Goldfields. The 18 indicates 18 carat gold yet the other marks are only 'suggesting' Australia.
In these kind of situations - as a valuer - I would listen very carefully to the information supplied by YOU - the client - as you have more information than I could ever PROVE or DISPROVE. So I would take your word for it.
You might like to add this problem to my blog at: http://how2valuejewelry.com as others may have more info on this design - can't harm anyway...
Hope this helps...
