LEEDS, CIRCA 1680, MAKER'S MARK RW, PROBABLY FOR ROBERT WILLIAMSON

The use of a mark depicting the Golden Fleece, which also forms part of the coat-of-arms of the city of Leeds, as an unofficial hallmark for Leeds is discussed by James Lomax (J. Lomax, British Silver at Temple Newsam and Lotherton Hall, Leeds, 1992, p. 183). Lomax records a number of pieces which are marked with the maker's mark RW, almost certainly the same mark which appears on the present tumbler-cup and which is believed to be the mark of Robert Williamson. A review of the existing body of work would suggest that he was among the top silversmiths working in Leeds in the last half of the 17th century, producing not only spoons but also a flat-topped tankard and a chocolate-pot.