This is a touchplate of the Edinburgh Pewterers. The 'touches' on this plate are the official record of the individual craftsmen's marks from around 1590 to 1749.
The earliest marks are in pairs - the craftsmen's marks and the town mark. After a few years they are combined in one stamp. The date is generally that when the craftsman became a Master or a Freeman of the Burgh.
The plate may also have served as a sample of pewter of approved quality on which the craftsmen have put their touch, thereby acknowledging their obligation to maintain that standard.
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