In this alphabet the peculiarities are the letters C (1660) and E (1662), which are only distinguishable from each other by the cross-bar to the letter E. The letter G is an exceptional form (1664), and is shown on the [opposite page]. O (1671) is also an unusual form. Letters T (1676) and L (1668) are somewhat similar in form, and may easily be mistaken for each other in worn examples.
The letter H (1665) is illustrated as the mark on a wine-cup ([page 129]).
1678 to 1696
In the year 1679 an oblong shield was used for the lion, as shown on [page 357]. This mark is taken from the Sumner Salt in the Mercers’ Company Hall, illustrated [page 155]. The letter E is found on a Snuffers and Tray, illustrated [page 231], and the letter F on a Porringer (1683), illustrated [page 205]. The letter H (1685) is shown on the [opposite page].
In regard to this alphabet great changes were in the air (see Higher Standard Mark, pages [49-59]), and this alphabet comes to an end with the letter t, and no later date letter than t was employed. But from March to May in 1697 the letter a of the Court Hand alphabet was used, and from May 1697 to May 1698 the Court Hand letter b was used (see [succeeding alphabet]).
This is the only occasion when the London Assay Office departed from the regular employment of twenty letters, from A to U, excluding the letter J.
LONDON MARKS
