Maker's mark | Thistle Brooch

by pat
( )

Hi - I have a 9ct gold thistle brooch with a maker's mark of W&S S which I think is S Ward & Sons of Chester, but it's then marked 9 ct rather than with full assay marks etc. Is this likely to be old as I believe the Chester office closed in 62.

Is there a date when 9 ct took over from fully hallmarked stampings and could I date it from this? All the online research seems to be relating to silver.

Thanks.


Pat