J.R. Gaunt Observer with scarce British silver hallmarks

[rustywings]

Here's a tough-to-find J.R. Gaunt-produced full size Observer's badge marked with "STERLING" and three British cartouches, plus the older standard "JR Gaunt" hallmark and the more recent "JRG&S" (JR Gaunt & Sons) hallmark.   

[bschwartz]

Nice.  The Anchor represents that it was made in Birmingham.  The Lion represents .925 silver and the U represents that it was made in 1944.  Very cool markings on that wing.  Thanks for posting Russ.  Also note that the lower markings on this wing are the same style marking used on the commemorative RAF 1942 badge that was given to members of the Eagle Squadron pilots and ground crew.  See here on my site if you're interested - http://www.ww2wings.com/wings/britainraf/britainraf1942badge.shtml

[cwnorma]

Amazing information!  Thanks to both of you gentlemen!

[MikeK]

That was a real treat to see Russ. I didn't know Gaunt produced the Observer pattern wing in genuine silver as well.

 

FYI, I think you'll find that the JRG&S stamping is generally only applied when the anchor/lion/year stamps are applied to one of their items - it's not necessarily older or newer than the raised JR Gaunt London type of marking, imo more of a "higher end" (quality-wise) marking.

 

Regards

Mike

[Costa]

now that's a first. that is an unusual hallmarking----------- never seen that.

[Bluehawk]

Beautiful...

[rustywings]

Thank you all for your kind responses.  And an extra bit of gratitude to Bob and Mike for their shared knowledge concerning Gaunt hallmarks and British cartouches.

 

I've attached a couple of comparison images of the Gaunt "Sterling" example below a nice silver-plated example just for chit-and-chatter.  

 

 

   

[pfrost]

Now you are just showing off!  LOL.

 

[jeff41st]

Very cool, thanks for sharing them.

[rustywings]

British Silver Dates...

 

 

[David B]

9 hours ago, rustywings said:

British Silver Dates...

 

 

 

These are only the dates for the Birmingham Assay office, there's also London, Sheffield, Chester and Edinburgh.

Birmingham Assay marks do appear to be the most prolific on WWII American insignia though.

[Kilroy56]

Superb !

Attached are pictures of a Gaunt marked observer wing recently acquired...

[Kilroy56]

Superb !

Attached are pictures of a Gaunt marked observer wing recently acquired...

[Kilroy56]

Close up.

[rathbonemuseum.com]

Nice Russ!