Silver hallmarks birmingham makers marks

A hallmark is an official mark indicating a standard of purity, silver hallmarks birmingham makers marks. They are used in marking both gold and silver items assayed. Assaying is a term used when examining or analysing the quality and quantity of silver or gold. Hallmarks also serve as a special indication of genuineness or good quality.

And my sincerest "thanks" for your previous help. Thank You. Richard Martin and Ebenezer Hall of Sheffield. One of the largest manufacturers of both sterling and silverplated wares in the last half of the c. It is NOT surprising to find their maker's mark alongside Birmingham marks - they also registered marks at Chester and London as well as in Sheffield. Their motives for Birmingham and Chester, I suggest, were simply practical - to get the maximum number of pieces hallmarked in the minimum amount of time when the Sheffield assay office was busy. With London, there was perception especially in the Colonies that 'London made' goods were of better quality than those made elsewhere, so there was an 'added value' to pieces hallmarked in London even if made in a huge factory in Sheffield.

Silver hallmarks birmingham makers marks

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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. In some countries, the testing of silver objects and marking of purity is controlled by a national assayer's office. Hallmarks are applied with a hammer and punch, a process that leaves sharp edges and spurs of metal. Therefore, hallmarking is generally done before the piece goes for its final polishing. The hallmark for sterling silver varies from nation to nation, often using distinctive historic symbols, although Dutch and UK Assay offices no longer strike their traditional hallmarks exclusively in their own territories and undertake assay in other countries using marks that are the same as those used domestically. One of the most highly structured hallmarking systems in the world is that of the United Kingdom, Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland , and Ireland. These five nations have, historically, provided a wealth of information about a piece through their series of applied punches. Since the year , the French assay mark for items made of solid silver is the head of the goddess Minerva in profile. The French have two standards for silver purity or fineness. Both standards are marked with the head of Minerva inclusive of a numeral 1 or 2 to indicate the standard.

Silver hallmarks birmingham makers marks

The history of hallmarking in Britain began in the year in the reign of King Edward the first. It is thus lengthy, and also surprisingly complicated. This short introduction cannot cover all the intricacies; it is intended to be a simple introduction for those with little or no knowledge of the history and practices of hallmarking but are curious about the significance of marks on a piece of silver. Such items will usually be from the nineteenth or early twentieth century, or possibly the eighteenth century, so the emphasis is on helping to identify hallmarks from these periods, including marks that are not hallmarks, and giving some pointers for further research. To receive a hallmark an item must be made of silver of a specified fineness, and must pass a test at an assay office to prove this before it is marked. There are some exceptions to this rule, generally items too small or delicate to bear the hallmarks, such as items of jewellery, although if they are described as silver they must be of legal fineness. British hallmarks on silver from the period considered usually comprise four or five individual marks. This mark shows that the fineness of the metal meets a specified legal standard. Pure silver is too soft for objects subject to daily wear so it is alloyed with a base metal, usually copper, to make it more durable This dilutes the precious metal and makes the mixture less valuable.

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But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. If you would like to learn more about the history of silversmiths and their hallmarks please get in touch. Topic: Birmingham Maker's Mark?? It is NOT surprising to find their maker's mark alongside Birmingham marks - they also registered marks at Chester and London as well as in Sheffield. Waylander IP: Logged. Remember Me. Testimonials Received my new hallmark money clip very quickly! Public Silver Forums open Free membership - anyone with a valid e-mail address may register. SM P ublications. These forums are not open to the public and require special authorization to view or post. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly.

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But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. How to Post Photos. Waylander Posts: Registered: Sep Testimonials Received my new hallmark money clip very quickly! SM P ublications. For more details click here under development. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. These cookies do not store any personal information. Remember Me. Next is the Duty Mark which indicates the tax paid to the Crown. The letter changed every May. Non-necessary Non-necessary. Silver Lyon Posts: Registered: Oct