Silver hallmarks are used to identify the origins and purity of silver items. They include the following elements
- Town mark: Indicates the place of assay.
- Date letter: Represents the year of manufacture.
- Maker’s mark: Identifies the silversmith or manufacturer.
- Lion passant: Symbolizes the purity of the silver.
- British silver assay or Hall marks are a set of symbols stamped onto silver items to certify their purity and authenticity. These marks have been used since the 1300s and are still in use today. A typical set of British silver hallmarks includes:
- Standard Mark: This mark indicates the purity of the silver. The most common standard mark is the lion passant (a walking lion), which signifies sterling silver made in England. Another example is the Britannia mark, which represents a higher standard of silver (.958 grade rather than standard 925 grade) introduced in 1697
- City Mark: Each assay office has its unique symbol to identify the city where the silver item was assayed. For example, a leopard’s head for London or an anchor for Birmingham.
- Date Letter: A letter that changes annually and allows the year of manufacture to be determined
- Maker’s Mark: The unique mark of the silversmith or company that made the item
These marks serve as a historical record and guarantee of quality, and they can be used to trace the origin, date, and maker of a silver item. Collectors and appraisers often use these marks to determine the value and authenticity of silver antiques and jewellery.
If you want a more in depth guide to the marks on your specific piece then we suggest buying a handy pocket guide such as Jackson’s Hallmarks, Collins Antique Marks, Bradbury’s book of hallmarks or Miller’s Antiques Marks – These pocket size books are a handy reference aid to identify and place the piece you have or may be interested in purchasing