Silver hallmarks dating

How do I Date my Silver from its hallmark?

To date your silver from its hallmark first identify the assay office (e.g. anchor for Birmingham, leopards head for London, etc.). Then click on the appropriate link below to go to the tables of date letters. If you are unable to identify the assay office from one of the town marks below you may have a piece of imported silver.

What do the hallmarks on silver mean?

Silver hallmarks. 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.

Are there any silver hallmarks that have been discontinued?

However, there are two silver hallmarks that have been discontinued: Beginning on 1 December 1784, British law mandated that a duty mark be applied to silver pieces. This showed that the requisite tax had been paid to the Crown. The duty mark was a profile of the head of the current reigning monarch. The mark was discontinued in 1890.

When did the United Kingdom start using silver hallmarks?

United Kingdom and Ireland. This mark was introduced in 1730, and is still in use today. The series of hallmarks described above are still in use in today. However, there are two silver hallmarks that have been discontinued: Beginning on 1 December 1784, British law mandated that a duty mark be applied to silver pieces.

How do you read hallmarks on silver?

Knowing the history of silver flatware and other items can be very helpful for reading hallmarks. 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.

How do you identify antique silver?

In order to properly identify your antique silver pieces, you need to know how to read the hallmark on the item. These stamps indicate the year the item was made, where it was made, and who made it. It can also include a few other pieces, such as a duty mark, although that’s not always the case.

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 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 were silver hallmarks first used?

This mark was introduced in 1730, and is still in use today. The series of hallmarks described above are still in use in today. However, there are two silver hallmarks that have been discontinued: Beginning on 1 December 1784, British law mandated that a duty mark be applied to silver pieces.

When did hallmarking start in the UK?

The UK introduced the 1973 Hallmarking Act to help standardise the industry, and integrate with international hallmarking practices. Since that time any items claiming to be made of silver, that weigh 7.78 grams or more, legally require a hallmark. .

What is the International Convention on silver hallmarks?

Since 1972 the United Kingdom has been a signatory to the International Convention on Hallmarks. Silver marked in Convention countries bears a maker’s mark, a common control mark, a purity mark and a country mark. Nine examples of country marks are shown here.

Are there any silver hallmarks that have been discontinued?

However, there are two silver hallmarks that have been discontinued: Beginning on 1 December 1784, British law mandated that a duty mark be applied to silver pieces. This showed that the requisite tax had been paid to the Crown. The duty mark was a profile of the head of the current reigning monarch. The mark was discontinued in 1890.