What do the letters mean on silver?

1) symbol for the town in which the silver content was certified, called an assay or town mark; 2) symbol for the year of manufacture called the date letter; 3) symbol representing the silversmith or factory which made the object, called maker’s mark or sponsors mark; The English silver standard is also 925/1000.

How can I identify silver English hallmarks?

READING BRITISH SILVER HALLMARKS

1. STEP 1 – LOOK FOR THE STANDARD MARK. There are 5 standard marks found on British Silver.
2. STEP 2 – LOOK FOR THE TOWN MARK.
3. STEP 3 – LOOK FOR THE DUTY MARK.
4. STEP 4 – LOOK FOR THE DATE LETTER.
5. STEP 5 – LOOK FOR THE MAKER’S MARK.

How do you identify silver markings?

Silver hallmarks are one of the most important factors in identifying antique silver jewelry, flatware, and other items….Common Silverplate Hallmarks

1. “Silverplate”
2. “EPNS” (for electro-plated nickel silver)
3. “EPBM” (for electro-plated Britannia metal)
4. “EP” (for electro-plated)
5. “BP” (for Britannia plate)

How do you date sterling silver?

Because Sterling Silver is 92.5% silver, the common purity mark used today is “925.” Most vintage Sterling Silver pieces have the older marks: “STERLING,” “STER,” or “STG.” Some modern jewelry today will use “STERLING” either with “925” or without it, usually in conjunction with the maker’s mark.

What does a lion hallmark mean 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 purity mark for Irish silver is the harp crowned.

How can you tell if something is solid silver or 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. To investigate further, you can try cleaning the item with a soft cloth.

What is the hallmark for pure silver?

Items that are pure silver are marked with the hallmark of “. 999” or “999.” This hallmark can often be found on the inside or underside of an item. Pure silver is soft and breakable; therefore, it is not used often in jewelry.

How many silver hallmarks and makers marks are there?

Welcome This project has been 18 years in the making and now documents over 12,000 silver marks on 1,200+ pages and subpages. It is regularly updated as we find and photograph new examples of silver hallmarks and makers’ marks. To navigate the site, it is easiest to use the green menu bar at the top of the screen.

How to read British silver hallmarks step by step?

STEP 1 – LOOK FOR THE STANDARD MARK 1 The walking lion for all sterling silver made in England 2 The standing lion for all sterling silver made in Glasgow 3 The thistle for for all sterling silver made in Edinburgh 4 The crowned harp for all sterling silver made in Dublin 5 The image of Britannia for Britannia standard silver

What are the dates on silver hallmark letters?

Silver hallmarks date letters. 1 ● Chester – closed 1962. 2 ● Exeter – closed 1883. 3 ● Glasgow – closed 1964. 4 ● Newcastle – closed 1884. 5 ● Norwich – closed 1702.

Where can I find list of 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.