Silver hallmarks birmingham makers marks

A hallmark is an official mark indicating a standard of purity. 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.

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.

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View your shopping cart. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Waylander IP: Logged. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Finally there was the Import Mark which was stamped on foreign silver. 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. For more details click here under development. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. One of the largest manufacturers of both sterling and silverplated wares in the last half of the c. The Date Letters follow and they establish when a piece was presented to the Assay Office.

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Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Finally there was the Import Mark which was stamped on foreign silver. If you would like to learn more about the history of silversmiths and their hallmarks please get in touch. One of the largest manufacturers of both sterling and silverplated wares in the last half of the c. This would be followed by the City Mark, which for Birmingham is an Anchor. 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. New Members who show a continued willingness to participate, to completely read and abide by the Guidelines will be allowed to post to the Member Public Forums. These forums are not open to the public and require special authorization to view or post. Richard Martin and Ebenezer Hall of Sheffield. Silver Salon Forums - The premier site for discussing Silver. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Waylander IP: Logged.