In 1721 the leopard’s head was in a square shield, as shown on page 357.
In 1722 and 1723 the leopard’s head was in a circular shield. In 1724 and 1725 the shield for the leopard’s head was in an escutcheon with a rounded base (see illustration, page 357). From 1726 to 1728 the leopard’s head again is in a circular shield, and this and the previous years, 1722 and 1723, are the only occasions when the circular shield was used.
The shapes of the shields of the lion passant during this time are shown in the Table (page 357).
From 1729 to 1738 the leopard’s head is in a shield with a pointed base, and the lion is in an oblong shield.
From 1739 to 1755 the lion is in a shield which is irregular in shape following the outline. The leopard’s head from 1739 to 1750 is in a shield of elaborate shape, and the whiskers of the leopard are clearly marked in the stamp. From 1751 to 1755 the shield for the leopard’s head changes. These differences can be seen in the Table (page 357).
From 1756 to 1775 the leopard’s head has another shield. The lion from 1756 to 1895 (139 years) retains the same shaped shield.
The example given on the opposite page for the year 1717 belongs to the Higher Standard period.
The mark for 1722 is from a tea-caddy made by Bowles Nash, whose mark is a B with a star.
The example given on the opposite page for the year 1753 shows the date letter ~s~, and is noticeable as likely to be confused with the letter ~f~ 1741.
The mark for 1761 on a cake-basket with the maker’s mark, E.R. (Edward Romer) is illustrated (page 291). It will be observed that from this date the initial letters of Christian and surname of makers were now used. This was compulsory in 1739 by 12 of George II _cap._ 26.
For the year 1773 a sugar-bowl is illustrated (page 283). The marks are given on the opposite page. The makers were S. and J. Crespell.
[Illustration: 1773 SUGAR-BOWL (illustrated p. 283).]
Other Marks illustrated are =1746= (p. 251), =1761= (p. 291).
GEORGE III, GEORGE IV (1820-30), WILLIAM IV
The most important feature in regard to marks in this period is the addition of the reigning sovereign’s head, which commenced in 1784. This Duty Mark was continued throughout the reigns of George III, George IV, William IV, and during the reign of Victoria until 1890, when the mark of the sovereign’s head was discontinued on the abolition of the duty on silver.