Hi Dave, thank you for writing in with the following hallmark question on an antique lure:
"I have aquired a small fishing bait and on it there is a mark. There are the initials B, B in a shield, followed by a Fleur de Lys or Feathers and then the letter S and finally, an asterisk style simbol. I have looked everywhere and nothing seems to match. I can send a photo if you give me another email address. Many thanks for your help in this matter."
How interesting! Quiet often old fishing tackle is just discarded by the families of deceased parents or grandparents who loved to fish. All the great lures and boxes they cherished are sometimes just tossed aside while cleaning out a life-time.
Many younger family members don't understand how much that old tackle meant during the early part of this century. It was hard to come by and often the only source of entertainment their parents or grandparents enjoyed.
Dave ..... the BB in a shield each is puzzling. Also need to know if the mark is a fleur de lys or feathers - a big difference :-)
could you please attach three photos and send to the following email address: yvonnehammoudaATmacDOTcom
One photo should be the actual marks
The second that of the entire item, and
The third that of a larger area surrounding the mark
Also any information in relation to the following:
1. When and how acquired, for example: inherited from grandpa 10 years ago when he was in his 80s OR purchased at a Flea Market or Auction 6 years ago OR picked it up at a Garage Sale from a French family 2 years ago etc
2. Any related family history that may help in focusing our research to a particular Period or Region.
3. Any other information you may have already discovered and any other details that will help.
