kilt pin information

**Stirling McQueen** · 6th May 13, 07:27 AM

This kilt pin was given to me by a dear friend and parishioner, they found it at a yard sale. The markings on the back indicate that it is sterling silver, aside from that I know little about it. Is the top figure lion or horse? Can anyone identify the stone or its age? Thank you.

Peace
Henry+

**Nathan** · 6th May 13, 07:57 AM

Nice pin. The figure on top looks like the standard Scottish Lion Rampant to my eyes although the mane is a bit subdued. The stone is hard to identify from your photo since the way it displays could have a lot to do with lighting. In order to find the age, you'd have to investigate the maker's stamp on the back if there is any. That would be the best place to glean clues. Just looking at it I would say it's not older than Victorian, but it could be a very recent production as well.

**creagdhubh** · 6th May 13, 08:05 AM

Originally Posted by Nathan

Nice pin. The figure on top looks like the standard Scottish Lion Rampant to my eyes although the mane is a bit subdued. The stone is hard to identify from your photo since the way it displays could have a lot to do with lighting. In order to find the age, you'd have to investigate the maker's stamp on the back if there is any. That would be the best place to glean clues. Just looking at it I would say it's not older than Victorian, but it could be a very recent production as well.

Agreed. Judging by the photo, the stone could be polished Agate, which was very popular with Highland brooches and kilt pins during the Victorian era. It may also be polished, orange topaz or possibly Cairngorm, though the stone looks a wee bit too orange for those two, as they tend to be more of a lighter amber colour. I could be wrong though!

**Stirling McQueen** · 6th May 13, 10:45 AM

Thank you both. I was leaning towards Lion Rampant but the lack of full mane held me back; since there is Lion Rampant on the family crest that is a good parallel. Also, having looked at images of the suggested stone possibilities I will agree that it is probably polished Agate. I appreciate the information.

There are maker stamps on the back but exploring that will have to wait for my son's young eyes to decipher them.

Peace
Henry+

**Chas** · 6th May 13, 11:46 AM

If it is UK silver there will be a date letter on the back somewhere. Here are some examples:

There are three variables -

Font

Shape of backing

Capital or small letter.

Each year will have a unique combination.

The next important thing is the Assay Office Mark - tells you where it was tested.

If you can find a maker's mark, great. It is usually a couple of letters in a square or oval. Unfortunately not always accurate. Mappin & Webb (M&W in an oblong) had hundreds of silversmiths working for them under the Mappin & Webb banner. It is only the very small makers that use their own mark. Most were part of a collective as it cost to have things assayed. Cheaper by the dozen.

A lot of 'Scottish' silver was in fact made in Birmingham to order.

Regards

Chas

**creagdhubh** · 6th May 13, 12:35 PM

Fantastic resource, Chas!

**TheOfficialBren** · 6th May 13, 01:41 PM

Likewise, Chas. Very interesting. You never know what you will learn around these parts.

**Stirling McQueen** · 18th May 13, 02:07 PM

Thank you for all the help. Based upon the marks the pin is from Edinburgh - mark with castle. The date mark is a stylized "S" in a square shield that does not appear on the Edinburgh or UK date chart so it is likely newer than 1930. The makers mark is "JC" with the "c" being overlaid over the staff of the letter "J" all within a diamond field. Regardless of the age I am please to have it and enjoy that it is from Edinburgh.

Peace
Henry+