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Silver Hallmarks

British Silver Hallmarks were brought into use in the year 1327. From this date it was an offence to sell any precious metal without a hallmark although it was quite common for Victorian Jewellery not to be hallmarked. The hallmark consists of either four or five symbols. These are: The Makers Mark – This usually consists of the makers initials or makers special mark. The Assay Mark – This is the mark that shows where the item was tested / assayed. The Sterling Mark – This is depicted as a lion passant and means that the item is .925 pure silver. Sometimes the mark is shown as the Britannia and in British Hallmarks this shows that the item is of higher purity than the standard .925. The Duty Mark – This is depicted as the monarchs head and was used between 1st December 1784 and 30th April 1890 and shows that duty was paid on the item. Usually this mark should be present but sometimes silver makers had ways of avoiding tax, so this mark may not always be present.  In addition the incuse duty mark is rarely seen on provincial silver and was used only in 1784/5. Occasionally in later periods the monarchs head has been used to commemorate special years such as coronations or jubilees. The Date Letter – This mark varies depending on the Assay Mark and shows the year the item was assayed. A list of examples will soon be available on this site so that you can date your silver.

Home » Silver Hallmarks
London Assay Mark Leopard with Crown
Posted inSilver Hallmarks Silver Information

London Hallmarks

London Hallmarks. London has been the most important British Assay Office for the high quality of workmanship and the amount and variety of silverware passing through it. The Goldsmiths Company…
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Posted inSilver Hallmarks, Silver Information
London Leopard with crown Assay Mark
Posted inSilver Hallmarks Silver Information

Birmingham Hallmarks

Birmingham Hallmarks. The Birmingham assay mark is an anchor. It is placed on its side if the metal is gold or platinum. The date letters began in 1773 and the sovereign's…
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Posted inSilver Hallmarks, Silver Information
York Assay Office Mark circa 1791
Posted inSilver Hallmarks Silver Information

York Hallmarks

York hallmarks began around the mid 16th century. The York assay mark was initially a half leopards head joined with a half fleur-de-lys in a round shield. In the late…
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Posted inSilver Hallmarks, Silver Information

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