A Lesson on British Silver: Determining the Hallmarks

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Scrapping silver. Driving gold and silver prices in the last year has attracted ambitious investors. And, why not? Silver is currently priced 1.7% to $28.97. In recent weeks, I have come across several consignments of silver and silverplated objects. With its current value in today’s market, it is crucial to accurately describe and distinguish between the two. Shameful to admit, prior to this recent exposure I had known very little about the distinction between the two; therefore, I decided to do more research. Throughout my research, I came across an incredibly useful and reputable site, of which the following has been referenced - 925-1000.com: An all-inclusive resource for various silver makers, hallmarks, articles, and other resources

There are 5 simple steps to determining British Silver Hallmarks: 

1. Determine if it has a Silver Standard Mark. This is important, as it determines the purity of the silver. If a Silver Standard Mark is not present, the piece is likely silverplate or has a different country of origin.
2. Decipher the city mark. There are quite a few, but with a quick look-up – it becomes simply a matching game.
3. Check for a duty mark. This will be pre-1890, as the use of this mark was abolished thereafter. It will be a profile of a monarch’s head.
4. Date letter. This will be of varying format and is represented by a single letter.
5. Maker’s mark. This is the maker’s signature; a stamp to ensure that forgery will likely be avoided. 

I am relaying this information not merely for the potential financial rewards it may yield, but for my continued fascination of the material culture that we live in and the everlasting imprint these objects leave for future generations.

So, next time Grandpa offers you that silver tankard you previously rejected, take it and do the research!

-E

Other resources: Silver Makers Marks // Silver Collection // Silver Mine