Maker's mark, identifying the silversmith presenting the piece to the assay office (usually the initials of Christian name and surname of the silversmith) Date letter, in cycles of twenty letters of the alphabet of different shape identifies the year in which the piece was verified by the Assay Office
Full Answer
What do the marks on the bottom of silver mean?
Silver Identification Guide January 1, 2020 The marks on the bottom of a piece of silver can be an indication of the age, maker, and origin of the piece. This mark is referred to as a “hallmark.”
When did they start marking silver with hallmarks?
Pseudo-hallmarks were used about 1800. They were meant to mislead the public into believing that the silver was of English origin. Many unmarked pieces of American silver were made by 1825. The pieces were later marked with the store name.
What are the different types of silver marks?
Marks can include 800, 825, 830, or 850, indicating 80, 82.5, 83, and 85% silver content, respectively. Silverplate: The silver content in silverplated wares is minimal.
Where can I find information about silver marks?
Enjoy your time here, we hope you find the site informative and useful. 925-1000.com is the most extensive internet resource for research of Silver Marks, Hallmarks, Trademarks & Maker's Marks found on Antique and Vintage silver.
What do the letters mean on silver?
A1 and AA: These discreet markings indicate the number of ounces of pure silver used in the plating. There's two ounces per gross of teaspoons for A1, and three ounces for AA.
How do I identify a silver hallmark?
Silver hallmarks are one of the most important factors in identifying antique silver jewelry, flatware, and other items. These small stamped symbols on the back or underside of silver items can tell you the purity of the silver, the manufacturer of the piece, and sometimes even the date it was made.
What are the 5 standard silver marks?
There are 5 standard marks found on British Silver:The walking lion for all sterling silver made in England.The standing lion for all sterling silver made in Glasgow.The thistle for for all sterling silver made in Edinburgh.The crowned harp for all sterling silver made in Dublin.More items...
What are the symbols for real silver?
Common Silver Alloys and Their Markings This silver qualifies as sterling, but it is slightly softer than sterling pieces marked 925 or simply sterling. Sterling silver (925): This is the standard for silver, identifying a silver item that is at least 92.5% silver mixed with copper to give it strength.
How can you tell if something is silver or silver plated?
Check the colouring of the item carefully; genuine silver is generally less shiny and colder in tone than silverplate. If you see places where the silver appears to be flaking off or turning green, the item is silver plated.
What does the sterling marking look like?
American sterling silver is marked with one of the following hallmarks: "925," ". 925," or "S925." the 925 indicates that the piece contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. Sterling silver items made in the UK contain a stamp of a lion.
How do you identify a hallmark?
The four components of a hallmark are: the sponsor or maker's mark, the standard mark, the assay office mark and the date letter for the year. Hallmark identification should answer four important questions - where; what; when; who. Where? Locate the assay office.
What does G mean on silver?
Finally, don't let a flea market seller tell you that a piece marked G. Silver is the same as sterling (it's happened more than once). G. Silver or German Silver, has no silver content, although the piece can be highly collectable anyway.
What does WP mean on silver?
BRITISH ELECTROPLATED SILVER - ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF MAKER'S MARKS: WA-ZZWIDE AWAKE under a 'eagle's head'George Barnsley & Sons (Cornish Works) - Sheffield - 1860-1919( WP ) inside a 'crown'William Page & Co - Birmingham - 1896( WP ) inside a 'lozenge'William Page & Co - Birmingham55 more rows
What is the stamp for sterling silver?
925For sterling silver, the minimal millesimal fineness is 925. It is what is known as the 'sterling standard'. A 925 sterling silver hallmark is stamped on the bottom of each genuine piece. The stamp and its shape are different depending on the country the silver has been made in.
Is all silver stamped?
Q: Should Real Silver have a Stamp? A: Yes. In the United States, silver items should have 925 stamps to protect consumers. It is illegal for items that don't meet these standards, such as fake silver products, to have the 925 or 'sterling' stamp.
What does a single mark on silver mean?
A single mark usually indicates that the piece of silver was made in America, although there are some Irish and Scottish pieces with just the maker’s name. This is a list of American silver marks and solid American silver. Other lists include silver-plated wares and pewter.
When did silversmiths use their initials?
Many makers used their last name, or first initial and last name. Pseudo-hallmarks were used about 1800. They were meant to mislead the public into believing that the silver was of English origin.
What is sterling silver?
The word STERLING was frequently used by 1860. STERLING means that 925 out of 1000 parts are silver. This is still the standard for sterling silver. Gorham Silver Company used a special mark for their Martelé silver from 1899 to 1912.
What did Glasgow silversmiths use?
Glasgow silver-smiths used a fish or tree. Ornate capital letters or the fleur-de-lis were used in France. A hand indicates Antwerp, a spread eagle Germany or Russia. The word STERLING indicates Ireland as well as America. COIN, DOLLAR, and STANDARD were usually American terms, but some Irish makers also used them.
What does the letter D mean on silver?
The pieces were later marked with the store name. By 1830 the words COIN, PURE COIN, DOLLAR, STANDARD, PREMIUM, or the letters “C” or “D” were placed on silver to indicate that it was 900 out of 1000 parts silver. The word STERLING was frequently used by 1860. STERLING means that 925 out of 1000 parts are silver.
What is the silver mark on the bottom of a silver coin?
The marks on the bottom of a piece of silver can be an indication of the age, maker, and origin of the piece. This mark is referred to as a “hallmark.”.
What does 800 mean on silver?
“800” is usually found on continental silver. If a piece is not American, refer to the sources about English or Continental silver.
Why is it so hard to read silver hallmarks?
One trick to making it a bit easier to read is to gently blow on it. The warmth from your breath will cause condensation, making the mark clearer.
When was duty mark made?
For example, if you see a duty mark on a piece, you’ll know that it was made between 1784 and 1890. You can narrow it down even more if you know when that mark was the king’s head and when it was the queen’s.
What is the lion passant on silver?
There are a number of common marks that appear on many silver pieces. For example, the lion passant is standard to identify a piece as sterling silver. If this mark isn’t there, it means the piece is most likely silver plated.