sgian-dubh hallmarks help

[spr0k3t]

I did upload pictures but I can't see them, are they showing on your end ?

I believe you need to have a minimum number of posts to be able to upload pics. An alternate is to use a photo bucket from another site, then link to them here. Interested to see the pics of what you found for sure.

[JPS]

I can see linked images from the "Forum" view. I was looking for images within this thread. I am not yet a power user of the forum!

You'll need to upload your photos in the little popup window. Then, once you've saved them and closed that window, insert them into your post in the composition box.

[AWKAYETHENOO]

yes I think its because im new to the forum I have limitations to what I can post

ive set up a Flickr account hope its just a case of clicking on the link and the images show ...

https://flic.kr/p/2qNTCKr

if that works I can upload more if anyone is interested

[AWKAYETHENOO]

https://flic.kr/p/2qNTCKr

[spr0k3t]

yes I think its because im new to the forum I have limitations to what I can post

ive set up a Flickr account hope its just a case of clicking on the link and the images show ...

https://flic.kr/p/2qNTCKr

if that works I can upload more if anyone is interested

That link definitely worked. Go ahead and upload some more with some good macro shots on the hallmarks.

[fraser lindsay]

Robert Allison. Very difficult to tell the date mark, but judging by the design somewhere between mid 60's to 82 when they ceased trading.

[Tomo]

Robert Allison. Very difficult to tell the date mark, but judging by the design somewhere between mid 60's to 82 when they ceased trading.

Yes it's easier to see on the new photos - so RA not RR. With the other hallmarks and this info it would date it from 1975 (when the Lion Rampant replaced the Thistle for Scottish silver) and 1982.

These are the relevant marks for that date range - not sure if it helps narrow things down any further:

[EagleJCS]

The pictures are attached to the thread. You'll have to go out to the forum level and click on the paper clip to the far right of the thread title. That will open a pop-up window with the links to the pictures.

To post a pic in the thread, you need to use the 'Insert Image' button (2nd row, 4th group from left, third button from left) Browse to find the image, then click on 'upload file(s)' once the file is selected. Please be sure it's a small-ish file, 640x480 pixels or less.

Having looked at the pics, it's hard to make out the letter (third mark) as it's got quite a bit of wear. Maybe a piece of paper and a pencil/charcoal rubbing might help? That can sometimes reveal things that are otherwise hidden, or at least enough to deduce.

[AWKAYETHENOO]

thanks everyone for helping identify the hallmarks, im going to list it for sale after ive met the criteria on the forum to allow selling.

in terms of value...anyone any idea ?

[Troglodyte]

first time post !

ive got a sgian dubh with hallmarks I would like to identify,
ive uploaded some pics but difficult to read

it has a few hallmarks

.lion rampant
.castle
.unreadable possibly a letter
.initials RR ( I think? )

any help would be greatly appreciated

cheers,
Steve.

Hallmarks are not as baffling as you might think, once you know how the system works. Each of the assay offices in the UK has its own identifying mark - castle for Edinburgh - and the letter is the year. The style of letter varies between upper- and lower-case fonts, in script, Roman or Gothic, and the shape of the stamp changes accordingly.

The marks as they can be seen in you photo show that the mounts on your sgian are sterling silver, and assayed in Edinburgh. The date stamp is too badly rubbed or indistinct to be sure, but Edinburgh used Roman caps from 1906-30, and script from 1931-55, and Gothic from 1956-73.

The maker's mark looks as if it could be RA for Robert Allison, who was producing good quality silver - including Highland dress accessories - during the mid-years of last century.

As for value of your sgian, a full-length photo of both front and back, and blade, is necessary, and certainty that the handle is carved wood or moulded resin. A good condition carved wooden handle sgian of pre-1970 in an unusual style might be worth as much £300 ($380us) to a serious collector, but I would work on about half that for your sgian.

Second hand silver items are priced at their scrap-metal value, plus what the item may have in terms of appeal to a collector. This is oftem much lower than you might think it ought to be worth, sadly.