What is it signature?

[jtw1313]

So I have this stone carving of monkeys and noticed that there are 3 lines on the bottom and on the smaller piece of the lid that comes of
I'm thinking this is a signature from artist can anyone help on this
In my opinion the chances of three lines being on bottom and on the small piece are slim
Also wondering what it is

 

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[Indian Steve]

Inkwell?

 

[Plug N Play]

Going along with Indian Steve ... inkwell.
Soapstone work such as this is generally done in guilds or familial units with a history of learning and teaching carving.
Signatures meant for the outside world would generally be unimportant.

As the work gets sent out, often by caseloads, what becomes important is the personal tally marks to pay or credit the members for their work.
You want QUICK ways to insure you get credit, while moving on to making something else ... IE scratch scratch scratch ... done, that one's mine.

 

[Kray Gelder]

Not sure what it is, but it looks like an old, quality piece. Is it ebony?

 

[ToddsPoint]

Both pieces were marked the same since they were separated at some point, maybe for polishing. The marks insure the correct parts that are fit together by hand go back together. Many guns have parts marked the same way. Gary