What does the lion mark on sterling silver mean?
For example, the lion marking indicates British sterling and since the mark has changed over the years, the lion mark actually indicates a specific time period of silver dating. Some marks are also specific enough that you can tell the city that the silver came from.
What do the markings on silver jewelry mean?
The mark for silver meeting the sterling standard of purity is the Lion Passant, but there have been other variations over the years, most notably the mark indicating Britannia purity. The purity mark for Irish silver is the harp crowned. The date mark is a letter indicating the exact year in which the piece was made.
What is an assayer's mark on silver?
A stamp indicating the purity of the silver is called the assayer's mark. The mark for silver meeting the sterling standard of purity is the Lion Passant, but there have been other variations over the years, most notably the mark indicating Britannia purity.
What is the purity mark for silver?
The mark for silver meeting the sterling standard of purity is the Lion Passant, but there have been other variations over the years, most notably the mark indicating Britannia purity. The purity mark for Irish silver is the harp crowned.
What does the lion symbol mean on silver?
purityA stamp indicating the purity of the silver is called the assayer's mark. The mark for silver meeting the sterling standard of purity is the Lion Passant, but there have been other variations over the years, most notably the mark indicating Britannia purity.
What do the symbols on silver mean?
From left to right: maker's mark =symbol of silversmith or company; assay mark=symbol of the city in which silver content was tested, leopard head shown is London; standard mark=lion passant (looking forward) certified that silver content was 925/1000. A fifth mark, not shown, is a profile of the ruling king or queen.
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 real silver markings?
Digits and Silver Quality Any piece of silver that has more than 92.5 percent silver is considered sterling silver or pure silver. If the silver markings percentage is 99.9, then you have fine silver. Therefore, you will be able to look and see a “925” or “999” on pieces of silver.
How do you identify a silver mark?
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.
How can you tell if something is solid 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 hallmark is a lion?
sterling silverHow to read a hallmark step 2 – the standard mark. The standard mark identifies your item as being silver. The mark for sterling silver is the lion passant or the lion passant guardant. Both look like a lion in profile.
What does 3 crowns mean on silver?
Salad sets in this style are most often silver plate. If the salad set bears a three crown mark that looks like this then it is solid silver of at least 830 fineness.
Does all silver have a hallmark?
So investment silver does not have to be stamped. Any other items, as detailed in the earlier section of this page, are legally required to be stamped however. Many dealers won't buy silver items if they haven't been stamped, and a lack of silver hallmarks could denote a fake item potentially.
How can you tell real sterling silver?
The easiest way to tell if sterling silver is real is by finding the imprint on your piece. Rings, necklaces, and bracelets made of sterling silver will have a “925” stamp somewhere. On rings, the stamp is usually on the inside band. Bracelets and necklaces will often have them on the clasp or on a seperate charm.
What is the symbol for sterling silver on jewelry?
925Sterling 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. Marks on these pieces include 925 or Sterling.
How do you tell sterling silver from silver plated?
0:231:50How to Tell Sterling Silver from Plated - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStep 1 examine your silver piece and look for markings that indicate it is a sterling silver. CheckMoreStep 1 examine your silver piece and look for markings that indicate it is a sterling silver. Check for stamps that say sterling point 9 to 5 or 9 25/100 examine the clasp of the necklace. And the
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What is the mark on French silver?
French silver also is punched with the mark of the maker, by law in the shape of a lozenge, usually with the maker's initials and a symbol.
What is a silver maker's mark?
Each silver maker has his or her own, unique maker's mark . This hallmark is usually a set of initials inside an escutcheon. The Legislative Reform Order (LRO) which came into law on 8 February 2013 also changed the requirements for sponsor marks, allowing logos to be used for the first time, as long as they provide the required traceability.
What is the purity mark on silver?
A stamp indicating the purity of the silver is called the assayer's mark . The mark for silver meeting the sterling standard of purity is the Lion Passant, but there have been other variations over the years, most notably the mark indicating Britannia purity. The Britannia standard was obligatory in Britain between 1697 and 1720 to try to help prevent British sterling silver coins from being melted to make silver plate. It became an optional standard thereafter, and in the United Kingdom and Ireland is now denoted by the millesimal fineness hallmark "958", with the symbol of Britannia being applied optionally. The purity mark for Irish silver is the harp crowned.
How is sterling silver obtained?
Prior to the general adoption of sterling silver as the standard of purity in 1868, silver was generally obtained from the melting of coins. Since these could vary considerably in purity, from around .750 millesimal fineness to around .900, silver known as "coin silver" varies in purity.
What is hallmarking in silver?
Hallmarks are applied with a hammer and punch, a process that leaves sharp edges and spurs of metal. Therefore, hallmarking is generally done before the piece goes for its final polishing.
What is the maker's mark on bourbon?
For the bourbon whiskey, see Maker's Mark. A silver object that is to be sold commercially is, in most countries, stamped with one or more silver hallmarks indicating the purity of the silver, the mark of the manufacturer or silversmith, and other (optional) markings to indicate date of manufacture and additional information about the piece.
What is the French assay mark for silver?
Since the year 1838, the French assay mark for items made of solid silver is the head of the goddess Minerva in profile. The French have two standards for silver purity or fineness. The higher is 950 parts per thousand, or 95% silver referred to as 1st Standard.
What does the silver mark on a silver coin mean?
When you turn over a piece of antique silver to check the markings, those numbers will tell you the actual amount of silver and the purity of the silver that is present in the item that you have. The stamping indicates who the silversmith is, the date of the manufacturer and other information about the piece that is necessary to its manufacturing.
What are Silver Markings and How Do You Read Silver Hallmarks?
Have you ever wondered what the tiny words or numbers mean on the jewelry or silver that you own or that has been passed down in your family? The silver that is in your cabinet space that you have been holding onto for years has a unique story to tell. It is okay that you are not an expert in determining exactly that those stories are based on the precious metals. Luckily, that story can be figured out thanks to the silver markings, that are put on the silver and when you know where to look.
How much silver is 925?
American silver marks are indicated at a minimum of 925 for every 1000 parts of silver material. This means, that a silver based item must have less than 7.5% base metal in order for the ration to be considered within the sterling standard. This practice has been used in the United States since the 1860’s.
What percentage of silver is considered sterling?
Any piece of silver that has more than 92.5 percent silver is considered sterling silver or pure silver. If the silver markings percentage is 99.9, then you have fine silver. Therefore, you will be able to look and see a “925” or “999” on pieces of silver.
What does FS mean in silver?
Those digits are highly important in determining the quality of silver that you actually have on hand. Sometimes, a piece of silver will also include an “FS.”. That marking is short of fine silver and means that there are 999 parts per thousand of silver metal within the item that you have.
Is it okay to not know if a story is based on precious metals?
It is okay that you are not an expert in determining exactly that those stories are based on the precious metals . Luckily, that story can be figured out thanks to the silver markings, that are put on the silver and when you know where to look. Luckily, there was a time when marks on precious metals became regulated.
Is there a faux hallmark on silver?
There are absolutely faux hallmarks that are out there that you definitely need to be aware of whenever you are purchasing silver. Beyond faux hallmarks, there are terms that are purposely misleading to a customer in regards to whether or not a piece of antique silver is actually sterling.
What is the hallmark of French sterling silver?
French sterling silver is notorious for having tiny little hallmarks that are hidden in the decorations sometimes.You may have missed it. French sterling has a rooster for the sterling mark, and other symbols for the town and maker. Good luck.
What is a sterling maker's mark?
British Sterling Maker's Marks. The maker's mark is a series of initials representing the name of the silversmith or company. They are set into a cartouche, usually the same as the other marks, but not always. For example; W & H, for Walker & Hall of Sheffield is set within a flag.
How to tell if sterling silver is genuine?
All of Great Britain use the same system to mark their sterling silver. Each item is assayed (tested) for quality, then marked with a series of 4 - 5 symbols, each in a cartouche of the same shape . The shape is used with letters to help date the item. The hallmarks will tell you if the item is sterling silver, what town it was assayed in, the date of assay and the maker's initials.
What is a town mark?
British Town Marks. The town or city mark denotes the place where the item was tested for its silver quality, or "assayed". Common town marks are: London: Leopard's head (with or without a crown) Birmingham: Anchor.
Which country uses a harp instead of a lion?
Most countries that live under the reign of the British crown have their own sterling mark, instead of the lion. Scotland uses a thistle flower, Ireland uses a harp, and so on. Make a note that England itself has made the bulk of sterling wares over the centuries.
Who invented silver plate?
Silverplate, (electroplated silver) was not invented until 1850. However, there was an earlier plating technique invented (accidentally) by the British in 1742. That was called Sheffield Plate. That involved sandwiching two think layers of silver with a layer of copper in-between. Sheffield plate is often hollow and will have a small hole in the bottom. If your tray isn't built like that, then it is likely either coin silver (900/1000) or sterling (925/1000). 30gr may have to do with the weight of the silver used. You may want to take the tray to a local jeweler and have it tested.
Is an inkwell Scottish?
Answer: Your inkwell is not Scottish. Scottish silver uses other marks than just the thistle, and those marks are not present on your piece. I think that the silver on your inkwell was made by Matthews & Prior. They use only a thistle as their hallmark. Matthews & Prior was in business from 1898 to 1904, and they specialized in sterling holloware (which your piece is). The initials "CUS" is the engraved initials of a previous owner. The other number/letter combinations are most likely pattern or part identifiers.
What is hallmark silver?
The vast majority of English, Scottish and Irish silver produced in the last 500 years is stamped with either 4 or 5 symbols, known as hallmarks . The prime purpose of these marks is to show that the metal of the item upon which they are stamped is of a certain level of purity. The metal is tested and marked at special offices, regulated by the government, known as assay offices. Only metal of the required standard will be marked. It is a form of consumer protection, whose origin goes back almost 1000 years.
Where is the standing lion made?
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. The image of Britannia for Britannia standard silver. You don’t need to memorise these marks because they are in Bradburys book of hallmarks.
How to find the maker of a pocket guide?
There are simply too many maker's marks for a pocket guide to include, and so to find the maker one needs to refer to a variety of large reference books. Most people would need to rely on the dealer or auction room from which the item was bought to identify the maker.
What is the book of hallmarks?
Although there are many books on the market which can be used to help read hallmarks, the standard book of reference, used by dealers and collectors world wide is Bradbury's Book of Hallmarks. This pocket sized reference contains all of the marks that one is likely to encounter on a regular basis. Armed with this book, the process ...
What is duty mark?
The duty mark was only struck in certain years and when found, will take the form of either a King or Queen’s head, depending on who was on the throne at the time. It tells you if duty has been paid. To the collector, the main importance of this mark is that it helps you find the date letter.
When was the book of hallmarks last updated?
Bradbury's book of hallmarks was last updated in 2014 by the Sheffield Assay office. It can be purchased directly from there or from any major book seller.
Do you need to memorize Marks?
You don’t need to memorise these marks because they are in Bradburys book of hallmarks. Simply flick through the book, looking at the top of the tables of marks to remind yourself if you forget.
How many symbols are in a hallmark?
A typical English hallmark ca. 1890-1999, generally has four symbols and may have five. These symbols may be placed in any order. They include:
Where are hallmarks used?
These marks are accepted in Europe, England and the United States .
What is the 925 silver?
This ratio is called the "sterling standard" and has been used in the US since the mid-1860s. The numeric 925 is the millesimal expression of the 925/1000 standard.
Why is 925 silver acceptable?
Since then, almost all silver of that quality sold among EC member countries has the 925 standard mark. New silver marked 925 is also acceptable in the US because that is also the US standard.
What is a convention hallmark?
These so-called convention hallmarks consist of a registered maker's mark and either two or three other marks: a control mark, a standard mark and, if the piece was made in England, an assay mark. The control symbol used in convention hallmarks since 1976 is always a scale.
What mark is required for a piece made in England?
But if a piece was made in England for sale at home it would require a fourth mark, a British assay mark.
Where is 925 silver made?
In fact the vast majority of mass produced silver reproductions today, whether made in Thailand, India, England, Europe or America, now include 925 in the mark. With the 925 standard mark, a piece of silver can virtually be sold world wide with the same mark.
Overview
United Kingdom and Ireland
One of the most highly structured hallmarking systems in the world is that of the United Kingdom, (Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland), and Ireland. These five nations have, historically, provided a wealth of information about a piece through their series of applied punches. Since 2015 visually identical UK Hallmarks are being struck in India and Italy by sub-offices of Birmingham & S…
France
Since the year 1838, the French assay mark for items made of solid silver is the head of the goddess Minerva in profile. The French have two standards for silver purity or fineness. The higher is 950 parts per thousand, or 95% silver referred to as 1st Standard. The lower grade of silver is 800 parts per thousand, or 80% silver referred to as 2nd Standard. Both standards are marked with the head of Minerva inclusive of a numeral 1 or 2 to indicate the standard.
United States
In the early United States, no national assaying system was adopted, although the city of Baltimore did maintain its own assay office between 1814 and 1830. Prior to the general adoption of sterling silver as the standard of purity in 1868, silver was generally obtained from the melting of coins. Since these could vary considerably in purity, from around .750 millesimal fineness to around .900, silver known as "coin silver" varies in purity. Silver at that time was sometimes mark…
Hungary
Between 1867 and 1933, Austria-Hungary and later, Hungary used the crescent moon crowned head of ancient Greek heroine Diana as the hallmarking symbol of legal silver alloys. The head was encircled by a frame, optionally composed of convex, concave and straight lines. One concave line represented 140/1000 fineness, a straight one 150 and a convex one 160. For example, a Diana head within a frame made in the shape of a 5-petal flower represented 5x160 …
External links
• Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks & Maker's Marks, comprehensive research site documenting American & International silver hallmarks
• http://www.sterlingflatwarefashions.com A comprehensive guide to American sterling silver flatware. Makers mark library, history, and care of silver.