Identity of maker and is date 1912?

One of a number of hatpins bought yesterday.

London import mark, possibly was gold plated, with (real?) pearl and chip paste or diamonds.

Who made it, and what do you think is the date letter.

 

Great pics @rhiwfield!

I just typed in MARCASITE HAT PIN and the first picture that comes up in Google images is an unmarked match to your hat pin.

Probably no help, but I hope someone can identify the maker's marks for you.

 

Could be marcasite or cut steel, very pretty

 

Date letter looks like 1993.

http://www.silvermakersmarks.co.uk/Dates/London.html

 

I thought the same.
http://www.silvermakersmarks.co.uk/Dates/London.html

--- Susan

 

One other thing - the "maker mark" in this case is not the actual maker, but rather the import sponsor who arranged for it to be assayed in London. Unless there is another set of marks somewhere (from the country of origin) it's hard to say who actually made it.

 

Thank you all.

The late date surprised me but suggests one made in early 20th century/deco style. I would rather describe this correctly when selling, the antique shop referred to in the earlier post perhaps did not have such helpful assistance!

I guess you are right, I agree that the date letter doesnt seem to fully match the earlier date!!

At least the silver hatpin stand it was on is period with Chester hallmark.

 

1993? For sure? Why did anyone make hat pins in 1993?
I believe it, but am mystified and confused, LOL.

 

Ditto here. I was surprised of the date code letter also. Could this be a hair stick rather than a hat pin. I'm not really up on British import markings. Could this possibly date to the early 1900s, but not imported and assayed until 1993 or do only newly made silver articles require import markings? I noticed the identical one laura... found mentions no markings, which would be unusually if these were the same. Seems the seller would be hollering to the world about a .925 stamp.

--- Susan

 

Susan,

The hallmarks are minute and being on the shaft may have been missed.

One thing to consider is that the lower edge of the hallmark is probably missing due tothe curvature of the thin shaft.

 

I found the L-l mark that Baker said was the "import sponsor who arranged for it to be assayed..." It certainly fits in with the 1993 date. The L-l mark has been seen on items of 1988... 1991.

http://www.silvermakersmarks.co.uk/Makers/London-L.html#LI

--- Susan

 

I was looking at marcasite jewelry sold by The 1928 Jewelry Company a while ago, thinking it might be a lead to the maker of this hat pin - stick pin, but keep getting side tracked. The internet is giving me attention deficit disorder today.

 

Susan, that clinches it!

Well done to all of you!!

 

Marcasite, and in the Nouveau style transitioning to Deco - it's a copy of some with lotus flower type heads. Fashion has revivals: this may have been made as a lapel pin and is missing its stopper, but more likely as a 1990s "collectible"/