Looks like "W&H 249 S".  Yes, the letter "S" is a common indicator mark for coin silver. Other indicator marks for coin silver include "Coin", "Standard", and "Premium". The mark "S" is also common for silver coins.  If it's British it could be Walker & Hall.  The folks who had this moved here from the UK, for what it's worth.  The inscription is "G.W.E. to Nina 1879."  Or it could be "J.W.E." maybe.  That date would coincide with W&H.