Sterling Pocket Watch ID Please

[vthepresident]

I found this silver pocket watch case at a farm that has been in operation in Virginia since the eighteenth century. It has several hallmarks inside.
1. Lion profile
2. Possibly lion face (you can only see the mouth)
3. Lower case "t"
4. Bust of a man or woman

All the marks surround some letters, possibly "LT"

I know the lion profile indicates British Sterling Silver, and a lion's face indicates it was assayed in London. The "t" tells what year it was made, but I can't figure out how to translate this in to an actual year. I can't find anything about the bust or the possible initials. Any help would be appreciated.

The other finds, including my first two large cents, can be viewed at http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,226587.0.html

 

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[72cheyenne]

I think your date is going to be 1914. Reference chart at http://www.925-1000.com/dlLondon.html
Not sure on the maker.

 

[vthepresident]

I have done a little research, and I believe the watch is a little older than 1914. The small stamp of a bust is known as a "duty mark" and it denotes what monarch the tax on the item was paid to. These were used only from 1784-1890.

The lion profile means British sterling silver.

The lion or leopard face, which on my watch you can only see the mouth of, means it was assayed in London. If we could tell if the lion had a crown, it would further narrow down the date.

This website has a neat chart that helps interpret the marks.
http://www.silvercollection.it/englishsilverhallmarks.html

The duty mark of the bust facing right means that it was made between 1786 and 1837.

The lower case "t" helps point out a few possible dates of manufacture: 1794 or 1834.

I have tried to find a silver smith with the initials "LT" which I think is the mark in the middle of all the stamps, but can't find one. It could say something else, though. It has rubbed off a lot.

It has been a ton of fun tracking down this information, and any input you guys can give would be great!