Expert: Martin G Roberts - 3/10/2009

Question
please could you tell me about the following touch marks.
  rampent lion,snakes head?,sword.J.L.Thesemarks are on a
victorian tankard. Above the marks are the letters I.N.T.
        many thanks phil morris

Answer
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Hello Philip,

I suspect the marks are a little worn, as the letters are incomplete.

These INT is the last three letters of PINT, denominating the capacity of the piece.

The other marks are pseudo-hallmarks, which began to be used by British pewterers in the 17th Century. They are intended to suggest silver hallmarks, but they do not carry the same significance or meaning - they are just subsiduary maker's marks.

This particular set of pseudo-hallmarks is well-known, as it was used by several different London pewterers from the late 18th Century until the early 20th Century. The last of them was James Edwards (JE), and that will be the initials in your mark - so your piece probably was made in London around 1880. There is one small caveat, as there is a fake version of Edwards' pseudo-hallmarks, and without sight of the marks on your piece I could not guarantee that they are authentic, but I think the presence of a worn PINT label is fairly reassuring.

By the way, collectors refer to lidded drinking vessels tankards, while unlidded drinking vessels are usually called mugs.

Hope that helps.

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk