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Silver Information

Silver has been in use since 4000BC and has been used for both practical purposes and ornamental. Not only are there different purposes for silver, but there are also different types.

If an item is marked Sterling, it means that the silver content is at least 92.5% silver. American silver usually has the word Sterling stamped on it whereas British silver may have either the word Sterling or the Lion Passant. Both indicate that the silver is at least 92.5% silver.

Coin silver was used before sterling silver in America. Coin silver is usually 90% silver.

In addition to sterling silver there is Sheffield Plate, Electroplate and German Silver. Sheffield Plate was one of the earliest types of silver plate. Sheffield Plate was copper with a layer of silver on the top and bottom so that the copper does not show. Sheffield Plate is quite collectible as it is quite rare. Sheffield Plate is no longer used as Electroplating took its place. Sheffield Plate is rarely marked and has a blueish tinge to it.

Electroplating is the process which involves taking a base metal, such as copper or brass, and plating it with silver. Electroplated goods are often stamped EPNS but there are some excellent silver makers which carried out these tasks and electroplated items can also be collected according to their makers.

German Silver actually contains no silver at all. German silver is an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc.

Home » Silver Information » Page 14
Robert Pringle Silver Maker's Mark
Posted inBirmingham Silver Makers Chester Silver Makers London Silver Makers Silver Information Silver Makers

Robert Pringle & Sons

Robert Pringle & Sons made a wide range of silver items which have been assayed in Chester, London and Birmingham. Their wares included novelty items, presentation cups, napkin rings and…
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Posted inBirmingham Silver Makers, Chester Silver Makers, London Silver Makers, Silver Information, Silver Makers
Nathaniel Mills Silver Maker's Mark
Posted inLondon Silver Makers Silver Information Silver Makers

Nathaniel Mills

Nathaniel Mills produced some of the most collectible silver items. He is renowned for his work in vinaigrettes, card cases and snuff boxes. His mark was first registered in 1803…
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Posted inLondon Silver Makers, Silver Information, Silver Makers
John Aldwinckle & James Slater Silver Maker's Mark
Posted inLondon Silver Makers Silver Information Silver Makers

John Aldwinckle

John Aldwinckle was a silversmith who became a partner with Henry Holland, James Slater and Thomas Slater. Several marks have been used, JA over JS (James Slater), JA over TS…
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Posted inLondon Silver Makers, Silver Information, Silver Makers
John & William Deakin Silver Makers Mark
Posted inLondon Silver Makers Silver Information Silver Makers

John & William Deakin

John & William Deakin - These makers started as James Deakin & Co in 1868 until they became James Deakin & Sons in 1871. They existed as a Sheffield manufacturer…
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Posted inLondon Silver Makers, Silver Information, Silver Makers
Hilliard & Thomason Silver Maker's Mark
Posted inLondon Silver Makers Silver Information Silver Makers

Hilliard & Thomason

Hilliard& Thomason were Victorian Silver Makers who made a wide range of high quality items including cups, christening cups, presentation items and even babies rattles. Below are some examples of…
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Posted inLondon Silver Makers, Silver Information, Silver Makers
Henry Holland Silver Maker's Mark
Posted inLondon Silver Makers Silver Information Silver Makers

Henry Holland

Henry Holland began the company Holland, Aldwinkle and Slater in 1838. His son, Henry II, joined him around 1851 when the name changed to Holland & Son. They were renowned…
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Posted inLondon Silver Makers, Silver Information, Silver Makers
Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co Maker's Mark
Posted inLondon Silver Makers Silver Information Silver Makers

Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co Ltd (G&S)

Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co Ltd (G&S) was a High Street jeweller with Royal Appointments which was set up by William Gibson in London in 1880. They were situated in Regent…
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Posted inLondon Silver Makers, Silver Information, Silver Makers
George Smith and William Fearn Silver Maker's Mark
Posted inLondon Silver Makers Silver Information Silver Makers

George Smith III and William Fearn

George Smith III and William Fearn became partners in 1786 and remained so until around 1792. The makers initials for William Fearn first appeared around 1772 although he was apprenticed…
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Posted inLondon Silver Makers, Silver Information, Silver Makers
George Burrows Maker's Mark
Posted inLondon Silver Makers Silver Information

George Burrows I

George Burrows I was married to Alice Burrows. They had a son George Burrows II who went into partnership with his mother Alice in 1801. The mark for this is…
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Posted inLondon Silver Makers, Silver Information
FW for Francis Webb Silver Makers Mark
Posted inBirmingham Silver Makers Silver Information Silver Makers

Francis Webb

Francis Webb was registered as a Birmingham Silver Maker in 1887. This company was prolific as pencil case makers but his mark has also been found on cigarette holders and…
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Posted inBirmingham Silver Makers, Silver Information, Silver Makers

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