Question
Gold medal
Hi,can you please identify the gold marks on an old medal i have. On the front it says "Presented by Suttons" on the back at the bottom is W.D in a rectangle and in another rectangle is a star with a line underneath it,then a 15 and finally something that looks like a hanging animal of some kind? (i might be wrong abotu that bit)I have attached an image for you to check out.
AnswerHello Bernie,
A few questions- what exactly does the animal look like- I have seen lions, gryphons and hares on medals similar to what I believe this to be.Rather than speculate I would need some more information. Also I believe your piece could be be made by William Deakin, original to around 1903, and possibly Birmingham England- the animal that would be there if this were true would be a squarish stylized lion. But the star in the rectangle would be indicative of an importation mark- so I am not positive yet, as the piece looks as though it were made in the 19th century -if not before.That mark may also be of William Davenport, a renowned name in British gold and silversmithing and If true your piece provided in its whole state could be quite valuable.The House of William Davenport is more likely to have been commissioned by Suttons Regiment of Royal Foresters for making a presentation regimental piece. that is what I believe the medal comes from and would then date it to around 1785, the 18th, not 19th century just by looking at the piece and some others I have had the privilege of assessing in the past presented to members of the Royal Foresters ,Britain.
As always seeing the object helps and I thank you for the photograph. I believe it is a garnet set in the 18 karat gold medal- or what appears to be a high karat gold. But the 15 could be indicative of 15 kt. gold, an alloy used before standardisations by the hallmarking and assay offices of the crown and international compliance regarding gold fineness.
I have checked the Australian gold and silversmiths guild marks and nothing turns up there matching your description, so I do believe it originated in England, or the British Isles. I have also checked out the "Suttons" presentation mark and what I can find is cohesive with my thought about its relation to the Royal Foresters.I will wait to hear back from you and learn what you know of its origins, actual size- as it looks quite small in the photo, where it perhaps was gotten from, how you came to have it and more on the animal and as specific as possible on the markings in their correct order on the back. There are many possibilities so I want to be as clear as possible in giving you a determination.
Best Regards,Ari
