How do you read sterling silver hallmarks?

How do you read sterling silver hallmarks?

Moving up in fineness, the next symbol you will find is 925. This number indicates the metal is silver and that it is 92.5% pure. Silver that is marked with 925 is known as Sterling Silver. Sterling Silver is commonly used in jewellery, cutlery (such as silver spoons), and other products because of its durability.

What is the English hallmark for sterling silver?

Britannia Standard Silver Historically the standard mark for sterling (. 925 purity) silver in Britain has been a lion passant and this will be found on the majority of pieces.

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 are the marks on a sterling hallmark?

A typical set of antique British silver hallmarks showing (left to right); 1.Standard Mark, 2.City Mark, 3.Date Letter, 4.Duty Mark and 5.Maker’s Mark. This particular set of marks tells us that this item was made of Sterling, in the city of London, in the year 1789, during the reign of King George III, and by the silversmith Thomas Wallis.

What are the standard marks on sterling silver?

SILVER STANDARD MARKS The Standard mark indicates the purity of the silver. B – Britannia .958, used exclusively 1697 – 1720, optional afterwards. (note: photograph to the left illustrates the sterling Lion Passant hallmark as stamped upon an 1817 caddy spoon by Sarah & John William Blake of London.) 3. DUTY MARKS

What do the numbers mean on a silver hallmark?

Silver standard indicated by “Sterling Silver” or any combination of abbreviations. Usually accompanied by an initial maker’s mark, sometimes with pseudomarks. left ~ 18th Cent. The 13 indicates silver purity, 13/16 lothig or .813, year 1753

Where can I find list of silver hallmarks?

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. If you don’t know the country of origin of the marks you are researching, the “World Hallmarks” page is probably the best place to start.