HiRob

I've just noticed your Y o L posting and the related replies .

I have built up a collection of about 80 YoL items , going back to the
1930's . Like you , I have found it difficult to dig up any detailed
info on the company.

The histoical info in the replies to your original request is , as far
as I am aware , correct ( set up in 1934 , took over Baker and the
Mordan Patents etc.)

The current ownership position is , I think , as follows. The Y o L
brand is now owned by Filfax ( the personal organiser company ) which
is , I believe , in turn owned by Lettes ( best known for diaries ) .
The Filofax website has a link to a YoL site which contains a very
small amount of data on the company.

Y o L have a workshop/ factory in Birmingham ( UK) -- I may be able to
dig out the address sometime if you might be interested in contacting
them .

Why is there so little info available on this company??-- no idea!!

As far as the hallmarks are concerned , they will show the name of the
silversmith making the case ( J.M. E.B. or Y oL ) a symbol representing
the assay office which tested the silver content of the metal, 925 and
a lion which represents sterling silver , and a date letter. Agian , I
might be able to send you more info on these hall marks if you are
interested.

Hope this helps. It's good ( and unusual ) to find someone showing an
interest in Y o L -- I think these represent the very top of the range
in quality silver / gold writing instrument , but they don't seem to
have quite the image of brands such as Montblanc!!

Regards

MIKE


Rob wrote:
I am considering buying some vintage Yard-O-Led's and have been trying
to locate a web site or publication that descirbes history of their
manufacture and what the various hallmarks on the vintage pens mean.

So far, I have found nothing. Can anyone help me out with a ponter?

Thanks,
Rob

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