English silver hallmarks are a set of marks stamped onto silver items to indicate the purity, date, and origin of the silver. The hallmarking system dates back to the 14th century and is one of the oldest forms of consumer protection worldwide.
The hallmarking system in England comprises a series of symbols and numbers, including letters, numbers, and symbols that indicate the silver's purity, the date of manufacture, and the location where the item was hallmarked. Each hallmark includes several symbols, such as the maker's mark, standard mark, assay office mark, and date letter.
Each hallmark is made up of several different symbols, which are explained below:
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Maker's Mark: The maker's mark is a symbol or initials that identify the silversmith or company that made the item. This mark is usually located at the beginning of the hallmark and is unique to each maker.
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Standard Mark: The standard mark indicates the purity of the silver. In England, there are three standard marks used: sterling silver (925 parts of pure silver per thousand), Britannia silver (958 parts per thousand), and the rare and discontinued 12 parts of pure silver per thousand.
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Assay Office Mark: The assay office mark identifies the location where the silver was tested and marked. There are four assay offices in England: London, Birmingham, Sheffield, and Edinburgh. Each assay office has a unique mark that is stamped onto the silver.
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Date Letter: The date letter indicates the year in which the silver item was hallmarked. Each year is assigned a different letter of the alphabet, and the letter changes every year.
English silver hallmarks are important because they enable the verification of the authenticity and purity of the silver item, can help to date the item and provide a historical context for the piece, and can be used to identify the silversmith or company that made the item. By understanding the English hallmarking system, collectors and buyers can make informed purchases and build a collection of authentic and valuable silver items. It is essential to look for the hallmark on the silver item and use a hallmark guide or online resource to understand the symbols and determine the date, purity, and origin of the item.