Mauritius Police - Hallmark Enquiry 1926?

[Tramway]

Hi All, Wonder if anyone can help. I had this badge given to me, probably in the 1970's by my father. I only noticed recently that it was hallmarked. The last three marks appear to be anchor, lion, B and the style of B dates this as 1926 and a Birmingham hallmark . Given that it has a kings crown, this would seem reasonable. Its a shame but I cant figure out the marks above this. I have no idea if this is plated (most likely?) or not. Was there a regular badge maker from Birmingham at the time or many of them?

[Chacal]

Hi

I'd agree with your dating of the hallmark to Birmingham 1926, as far as I know hallmarks are applied to guarantee that the item is of xx% silver or gold so there should be no worries there. The marks above, to me, look like "B & h": using my two small pocket guides throws up no candidates, perhaps other members have more comprehensive guides? There are/were badge manufacturers in Birmingham: Fattorini was one, Gaunt another, though this may equally have been made by a silversmith - perhaps checking Birmingham trade directories for the 1920s for badge makers and silversmiths may produce a candidate.

I have to say it is a lovely piece, there is something about colonial-era badges and any collector of such would be over the moon to have it in his/her collection.

Thank you for sharing it and good luck with your research.

Graham

[Tramway]

Graham, thanks for your response. I agree - tricky to locate a B & H, I also looked at B & I but doesn't seem to be.

Also - yes, my father gave me a load of badges and this is one of my favourites as its unusual and in a nice condition.

[altcar73]

Originally Posted by Tramway

Graham, thanks for your response. I agree - tricky to locate a B & H, I also looked at B & I but doesn't seem to be.

Also - yes, my father gave me a load of badges and this is one of my favourites as its unusual and in a nice condition.

Whilst I can't throw any light upon the identity of the manufacturer of your particular badge, I do have an identical one in my collection. Mine is marked "JRGS" (J.R. Gaunt & Son) with the Birmingham hallmark for 1953. The badge would have been worn in pairs (one on each side of the collar) by Gazetted Officers.

Dave.

PS. I've just had a thought. Looking at your photo of the hallmark I think the letters are "B&P" which would be Bent & Parker. I hope this is helpful.

[Tramway]

Originally Posted by altcar73

Whilst I can't throw any light upon the identity of the manufacturer of your particular badge, I do have an identical one in my collection. Mine is marked "JRGS" (J.R. Gaunt & Son) with the Birmingham hallmark for 1953. The badge would have been worn in pairs (one on each side of the collar) by Gazetted Officers.

Dave.

PS. I've just had a thought. Looking at your photo of the hallmark I think the letters are "B&P" which would be Bent & Parker. I hope this is helpful.

- Dave. Again thanks. I will check this out. Steve.