... I'm embarrassed to say I'm trying to work out the abbreviations ...
Anne — no need for embarrassment — my fault for allowing my raw shorthand to escape uncooked.
As Della says, RB/S&W is Royal Brierley / Stevens & Williams. BGbtW is Dodsworth, Roger,
British Glass between the Wars, Dudley Leisure Services, 1987. No. 337 on p99 is the RB/S&W seagull vase, similar to yours, engraved with gulls over the sea.
... Am I correct in thinking tie numbers are the number of rings? ...
No. That is my favourite name for the little numbers engraved on the stopper and neck that
tie that particular stopper to that decanter.
The weight and base could well be RB/S&W.
To check this out properly, you will need access to the RB/S&W factory pattern books. These are stored at Himley Hall, which, according to the Dudley Museums website, is closed during the winter, and only open short hours during the summer. It's much easier to consult the pattern book microfiche held at the Corning Museum of Glass, available long opening hours all the year round, with unlimited free hard copy.
You might consider an opinion from Roger Dodsworth or John Smith at Broadfield House Glass Museum. It's best to book an appointment, as, in my experience, they are always busy. They don't seem to have meeting rooms, and that glass topped reception desk is vicious, so take at least a thick blanket to cushion it or, preferably, take your own furniture, such as a folding table and two camping chairs (they don't appear to have any chairs).
Bernard C.
