Originally Posted by
PatrickTweed
The lion hallmark is English Sterling hallmark.
Patrick,
Yes, English sterling silver. Thank You.
I didn't know a thing about silver hallmarks until last night. I did some Googling and turned up the 14 is the thimble size. The J.F represents James Fenton, a Birmingham silversmith. The lion, like you say, for English sterling silver. The anchor for Birmingham assay office. The A represents the year 1773 or 1849, I'm guessing 1849. Turns out London and other different English towns all have different date hallmarks. Fascinating stuff one turns up in the pursuit of sewing machines.
Jon