Silver Hallmark Sleuthing (1896)

On the weekend I bought and old walking stick to add to my collection which I blipped the other day (apparently, someone who collects walking sticks - or has strong interest in them - is called a rabologist). Around the stick's shaft, just below the staghorn grip, is a decorative silver band with several hallmarks on it. I did some online searching and found it was assayed in Birmingham, England in 1896 and is Sterling silver. What I cannot determine precisely is who made it and where. I see the initials J.N. but cannot find anyone other than James Neale, Jules Nordmann, and J Newsome in the right timeframe but their marks are different than the one depicted above. Anyone with expertise in British silvermarks out there in blipland who can assist?

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UPDATES (08 AUG 2013): I made some inquiries to three online sources and got quick responses and several positive identifications!

1. "The makers mark “J.N” belonged to Julius Nussbaum (Spelling a little difficult to read but I believe I have it correct) he registered with us in 1888 as a Stick Mounter from London, later becoming a Umbrella Manufacturer also."

Linda Moran
Registration Co-Ordinator
The Assay Office, Birmingham, England
From 08 August 2013 e-mail.

Thanks so much, Linda! More...

2. "Makers mark is for Julius Nussbaum, Stick Mounter, 46 Fore St. London, first registered with Birmingham 27th November 1888 and finally on 12th November 1903, I hope this helps kind regards."

Cuznerfan (Silver Forum reply Re: Walking Stick maker's mark J.N.?)

3. "JULIUS NUSSBAUM

46, Fore Street, later, 49, Fann Street, and 11/12 Bridgewater Street, London and Rue St. Martin, Paris

Julius Nussbaum was formerly in partnership with Emanuel Nussbaum until 1888. By 1908 he was occupying the Fann Street and Bridgewater street addresses. Around 1913 he disposed of the business to Alfred Edward Cross.

' To Julius Nussbaum, of 237, Rue St. Martin, Paris, in the republic of France, for the invention of "Improvements in umbrellas, parasols, or sunshades." '

Source: The Commissioners of Patents' Journal - Great Britain Patent Office - ‎1880

Julius Nussbaum entered his marks 'J.N' contained within an oblong punch, on the 12th September 1883, and 'J.N' contained within an heraldic shield, on the 12th January 1899 with the London Assay Office.

He also entered marks with the Birmingham Assay Office on the 27th November 1888 and on 12th November 1903.

Trev."

aka Dognose (Silver Forum post Re: Sticks, Whips, Canes, Parasols, and Umbrellas)

I looked up the etymology of the name "Nussbaum" and found it is Middle-High German for "nut tree" and is typically found in Jewish families hailing from that country, historically.

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Thanks to both at 925-1000.com!

Thanks, too, to Sally Hoban, Heritage and Training Officer at The Assay Office in Birmingham and to Phil of Silver Makers Marks for their kind and prompt assistance. And to 925-1000.com.

This stick and silver band was likely made at the 46 Fore Street, London address. The building that stands there may be from the late 19th century. If it is, then 46 is now occupied by ERCAN'Z Barber Shop.

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Three unanswerable questions remain: Who owned it? Where has it been? And how did it get to Canada?

For this blip, the map link notes the place of manufacture in the 19th century - according to the information provided above, NOT where I took this photo (which was in Aurora, Ontario, Canada).

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This photo marks my 3rd anniversary of my first blip. The first two years, I never missed a day.