I wonder if any experts here like Mr. Odulf or others specializing in WWI& WWII RN caps might have some clues regarding an HMS HOOD tally I recently bought? Unfortunately, I've had no luck so far after contacting the National Museum of the Royal Navy (no response) and a few dealers and auctioneers.
Here is what I was informed; The tally was described as having been bought from a Royal Navy memorabilia shop in Portsmouth 40 years ago (evidently no longer in existence). This shop said it was obtained from a family who stated that it came from a relative of theirs who had served on Hood in the late 1920's/early 30's.
Upon seeing it in person for the first time, my impression was that it didn't seem like it had been made at least 82 years prior, i.e., pre-1941. It is in excellent shape, has no sort of odor or wear. In addition, there is what appears to be a thumbprint partial gold fingerprint on the ribbon.
Another point which I'm not sure about is that there is no gold dot right after the word "Hood". All the ones I've seen which were authenticated as being from Hood show this dot, though I guess it's possible that some might not.
I'm not contending that the tally was untruthfully sold to me as being authentic as perhaps the
previous owner was not given the real story. I just want to know if it is in fact a Hood-issued tally or not.
Attached is an iPhone shot of it. Thanks in advance for any clues which might lead to discovering its origin.