Measuring some 4.5 inches long; made of steel and within the hoop a gilded brass tag bearing the initials GR (George Rex/George Reign)
Engraved along the shank are the words Carrington Bowls Esqr. Some research has established that at the latter part of the C18th Carrington Bowles had a shop at St Paul's Churchyard where he sold both maps and prints.
Close scrutiny of the pictures will show that one of the "R"'s I Carrington has been filed out, as if the engraver
made a mistake??
Neither the British Museum, the London Museum or the V and A have been able to cast light on it.
I thought the name Bowles may have a connection to
Prince Charlie's wife but apparently not....
A local antiques auctioneer expressed great excitement but purely in monetary terms.
Any clues amongst you key experts?