markgoldhunter said:
still can't find those hallmarks nor can i find anything about william lambom. so i may have to head for bendigo to ask around there. it will give me a chance to have another swing anyway.
His name was William Lamborn, not Lambom. Though it's very hard to see in the picture of the article above.
Some things i found
Himself
Mr. William Lamborn, the first manufacturing jeweller
to start business in Victoria.
He took into partnership Mr. Wagner, and became Lamborn and Wagner jewellers Co PTY LTD.
Some family history
27-12-1905
"An old Melbourne identity, in the person of William Lamborn, passed away at his residence, Currajong, Hawthorn, on Sunday last, at the age of 80. The late Mr. Lamborn arrived in Melbourne during the forties, and commenced business as a manufacturing jeweller in Queen-street, subsequently taking into partnership a Mr. Wagner (since deceased). The business grew into a thriving concern, and was continued by Lamborn and Wagner until they handed it over to Mr. Lamborn's sons. Mr. Lamborn reared a large family. Alderman G. T. Clarke and Messrs. J. N. S. Clarke, J. J. Clarke, and A. E. Clarke are nephews of the deceased."
Eldest son
20-12-1881
"LAMBORNROBISON.On the 14th inst., at Harcourt, street, Hawthorn, by the Rev. A. Gosman, William Joseph, eldest son of William Lamborn, of Lamborn and Wagner, jewellers, Melbourne, to Agnes, eldest daughter of James M. Robison, of Robison Brothers and Co., engineers, Melbourne."
Son
"Mr Albert M. Lamborn. Mr Albert M. Lamborn, watchmaker, has died at the age of 85. He was the son of the late William Lamborn, who arrived in Melbourne in 1852 and established the first manufacturing jewellery business in the city. In his youth Mr Albert Lamborn was apprenticed to T. Gaunt and Co Pty Ltd as a watchmaker. Later he joined the firm of James McBean and Sons, and before his retirement conducted his own business at York House, Little Collins st. He has left a daughter (Mrs C. P. Shugg) and three sons. Hal, Ivor, and Roy"
Maybe a good idea to get in touch with the
National gallery of Australia as they have one of their pieces(a brooch) on display they bought in 1989. I'm sure they would be interested to see it.. maybe can help
http://cs.nga.gov.au/Detail.cfm?IRN=118405
some more from carters, but from lamborn and wagner
http://www.carters.com.au/index.cfm...ortrait-brooch-by-william-lamborn-and-leopol/
http://www.carters.com.au/index.cfm...-and-gold-floral-brooch-by-william-lamborn-a/
Their Hallmarks seem to be L&W and also marked with a crown, so maybe you have an original William Lamborn piece before he became partners with Leopold Wagner... who knows.
Anyway, hope that helps