Hallmarks: A Simple Guide to Silver and Antique Markings
- Posted on 14th October 2026
- in Antique Hallmark
- by Alan
Originally published: December 2024
Last updated: October 2026
By Alan Amero, Owner, Sarasota Antique Buyers
What Two Decades of Reading Silver Marks Taught Me
Every piece of antique silver has a story to tell, but you need to know how to read it. The tiny stamped symbols you find on the bottom of a teapot, inside a spoon bowl, or along the edge of a tray aren’t just decoration. They serve as a legal record, a certificate of authenticity, and a piece of history. For example, I once examined a seemingly plain sugar bowl that had sat unnoticed in a client’s cupboard for years. When I turned it over, the hallmarks revealed it was crafted in London in 1862 by a notable silversmith, with the lion passant mark confirming its sterling purity. What looked like an ordinary keepsake was actually a valuable piece with a rich heritage.
For more than twenty years, I have helped people in Sarasota and along the Gulf Coast identify, value, and sell their silver antiques. I have seen the same situation happen many times: a family brings in an inherited silver set, thinking it is very valuable, only to find out it is silverplate. Sometimes, the opposite happens. A tarnished, forgotten piece can turn out to be rare sterling silver worth much more than anyone expected. Usually, the key difference is understanding hallmarks.
This guide will teach you what those marks mean, how to read them step by step, and how to tell genuine sterling silver from silverplate.
What Is a Silver Hallmark?
A silver hallmark is an official mark that a recognized, independent assay office strikes into a piece of silver. An assay office is an institution, usually government-controlled or otherwise officially authorized, that tests precious metals like silver or gold to confirm their purity and quality. It certifies that the metal has been tested and meets a specific purity standard. A UK hallmark is a series of marks applied to a precious-metal item. It provides information about the metal and confirms that an official Assay Office has independently tested and hallmarked it.
The term is used loosely to cover almost any stamp on a silver item, but a genuine hallmark means a mark applied by an authorized testing body—not simply a maker or retailer stamping their own work.
Hallmarking exists for a practical reason. Before independent assay offices existed, buyers had no reliable way to know whether a piece was genuinely as pure as claimed. Assay offices solved this by testing metal and legally certifying the result with a stamp. Because government oversight backed this, forging or falsifying a hallmark became a criminal offense.
In the UK, the Hallmarking Act of 1973 requires all silver items weighing over 7.78 grams to be hallmarked.
How to Read Silver Hallmarks: A Step-by-Step Guide
Reading a hallmark is a process of elimination. Here is the sequence I recommend, based on decades of hands-on experience.
Step 1: Find the Fineness Mark
The easiest place to start is usually the number. The fineness mark shows the proportion of precious metal in the item, written in parts per thousand. This is called millesimal fineness. For example, a fineness mark of 925 means that 925 out of 1,000 parts are silver.
Common purity marks you will encounter:
| Mark | Purity | Name | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 999 | 99.9% | Fine Silver | Jewellery, investment |
| 958 | 95.8% | Britannia Silver | Fine hand-crafted silverware |
| 950 | 95.0% | French 1st Standard | French silver |
| 925 | 92.5% | Sterling Silver | Most common worldwide |
| 900 | 90.0% | Coin Silver | American pre-1870 |
| 835 | 83.5% | Continental Silver | Germany, Italy, Netherlands |
| 830 | 83.0% | Scandinavian Silver | Scandinavia |
| 800 | 80.0% | Continental Silver | Germany, Italy, France |
Step 2: Look for the Assay Office Mark
The assay office mark tells you which Assay Office tested and hallmarked the item. There are four UK Assay Offices, each with its own distinctive mark. If you see an anchor, your item was hallmarked by the Birmingham Assay Office. Other UK Assay Office marks represent London, Sheffield and Edinburgh.
Remember that the Assay Office mark shows where the item was tested and hallmarked, not always where it was made.
| Assay Office | Symbol | Status |
|---|---|---|
| London | Leopard’s head | Active |
| Birmingham | Anchor | Active |
| Sheffield | Rose | Active |
| Edinburgh | Castle | Active |
| Dublin | Crowned harp | Historical |
| Chester | Sword and wheat sheaf | Closed 1962 |
| Exeter | Castle with three towers | Closed 1883 |
| Glasgow | Tree, fish, bird, bell | Closed 1964 |
| Newcastle | Three castles | Closed 1884 |
| York | Five lions and cross | Closed 1858 |
Step 3: Find the Sponsor’s Mark
The Sponsor’s Mark is usually made up of two or more letters inside a distinctive shape. It identifies the company, individual, or business that submitted the item for hallmarking. You may also hear this referred to as a Maker’s Mark, although “Sponsor’s Mark” is the modern term.
The Sponsor’s Mark is especially helpful if you want to learn about an older piece’s history. However, the person or company shown by the mark did not always make the item themselves. A sponsor could be a manufacturer, dealer, importer, or even just the owner.
Step 4: Look for a Date Letter
Some UK hallmarks include a Date Letter, which is a small letter that shows the year the item was hallmarked. The style of the letter, including its font, case, and surrounding shape, helps you identify the year.
Important: The date letter indicates the year the item was assayed, not necessarily the year it was manufactured.
Since 1975, all four UK Assay Offices use the same date letter, which changes on 1 January each year. The date letter became a voluntary mark in 1999.
Date Letter 2026: Letter B
Before 1975, each assay office had its own date letter system. Birmingham’s date letter changed each July; London’s changed in May.
Step 5: Look for the Duty Mark (Historical)
The duty mark was struck between 1784 and 1890 to indicate that a tax had been paid to the Crown. The mark shows the reigning monarch’s head.
The Five Types of Silver Marks
A full hallmark is not just one symbol. It is a small group of marks stamped together, and each one gives you different information.
- Standard Mark — Confirms the fineness (purity) of the silver
- Assay Office Mark — Identifies where the item was tested
- Date Letter — Indicates the year of assay (if present)
- Sponsor’s Mark — Identifies the maker or company who submitted the item
- Duty Mark — Historical mark showing tax was paid (1784–1890)
British Silver Hallmarks: The Gold Standard
British hallmarking is one of the world’s oldest systems that is still in use. It began with a royal law in 1300 and is still required by law today.
A Brief History
In 1300, King Edward I mandated that silversmiths mark their creations with the leopard’s head symbol. This system evolved into one of the world’s most respected hallmarking traditions. The London Assay Office at Goldsmiths’ Hall first marked the leopard’s head, giving us the term “hallmark.”
By 1478, the date letter was introduced. In 1544, they added the lion passant, a lion walking with one paw raised, as another standard mark.
Key British Marks
The Lion Passant: Since 1544, this symbol has shown that the silver is at least 92.5% pure. The lion passant faces left, with three paws on the ground and the right front paw raised. For Scottish silver from Edinburgh, the mark is a lion rampant instead.
The Leopard’s Head: London’s assay office mark. The crowned leopard’s head was used from 1478 to 1822; the uncrowned version has been used since 1822.
The Britannia Standard: From 1697 to 1720, the required silver content was raised to 95.8%. During this time, the Britannia mark, which shows a seated figure, replaced the lion passant.
American Silver Marks: A Different System
Here is a fact that surprises many people: there is no such thing as a hallmark on American silver.
To have a hallmark, silver must be made under one of the British or Continental systems, where governing bodies or trade organizations called guilds had guild halls, hence the hallmark. In America, silver marks are maker’s marks, trademarks, or manufacturer’s marks.
American Silver Standards
The predominant American standards used on solid silverware were:
- Coin silver (.900, roughly pre-1870)
- Sterling silver (.925, roughly post-1870)
Why Marking Matters
If a U.S. piece made after 1870 is not stamped “Sterling,” it is almost always plate. Makers wanted to clearly label solid silver items to show they were luxury goods.
Common American Marks
| Mark | Meaning |
|---|---|
| “Sterling” | Solid sterling silver |
| “925” or “.925” | Sterling silver |
| “Coin” | Coin silver (90% pure) |
| “Standard” | A coin silver indicator |
| “Premium” | A coin silver indicator |
| “C”, “D”, or “S” | Found amongst coin silver pseudomarks |
Famous American Makers and Their Marks
Gorham: Lion passant facing right, a vertical anchor, and a Gothic letter “G” mark, followed by “GORHAM STERLING.”
Tiffany & Co.: “Tiffany & Company Makers” with “Sterling Silver” and “925-1000.”
Alvin: The word “Alvin,” sometimes over a dragon image.
Durgin: The word “Durgin.”
Reed & Barton: Eagle, R, lion mark.
Continental European Silver Hallmarks
Continental European hallmarks follow systems that differ entirely from the British model. Each country developed its own conventions, symbols, and purity standards.
German Silver
In 1884, a law made .800 the minimum national standard for silver in Germany. Common standards are .800 and .835. The German national mark consists of a crescent moon and a crown (Halbmond und Krone). The crescent moon curves to the right and resembles a sideways “C,” while the crown is typically a small, rounded shape with points or arches above it. These two symbols appear side by side, making them easy to spot. These hallmarks became mandatory in 1888.
French Silver
The Minerva head has been the official French standard for solid silver since 1838. French silver made for export carries an assay mark shaped like the head of Mercury.
Italian Silver
Italy legislated three silver standards: 925, 835, and 800. By 1992, the 835 standard was discontinued.
How to Identify Silverplate
Silverplate has only a thin layer of silver over a base metal. It may look like silver, but it has little or no melt value.
Common Silverplate Marks
| Mark | Meaning |
|---|---|
| EPNS | Electro-Plated Nickel Silver |
| EPBM | Electro-Plated Britannia Metal |
| EP | Electro-Plated |
| EPC | Electro-Plated Copper |
| EPGS | Electro-Plated German Silver |
| S.P. | Silver Plate |
EPNS stands for Electro-Plated Nickel Silver. This alloy is mostly copper, with nickel and zinc, but it contains no silver.
Visual Identification
Another way to identify silverplate is to look for worn or over-polished areas where the base metal is showing.
- Reddish color: Copper base showing through
- Golden yellow color: Brass base showing through
- Greyish color: Nickel or Britannia metal base
The Magnet Test
Silver and gold are not magnetic. If a magnet sticks, the item is likely base metal or steel.
What the 2026 Silver Market Means for You
The silver market has changed dramatically. Silver prices have more than doubled in the last year, driven by industrial demand and investor interest. This means even common silver pieces now have a higher melt-value floor than they did a few years ago.
For people who have inherited silver, this is both good news and a warning. The good news is that even silverplate and weighted pieces may now be worth more than you thought. The warning is that it is tempting to scrap silver for its melt value, but doing so with a rare or complete piece can destroy much more value than you get back. As a simple rule of thumb: Before selling or scrapping any silver—especially complete sets, pieces with hallmarks, or items that seem unusual—always have them professionally evaluated. One quick appraisal can protect you from a costly mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my silver is real?
Look for marks such as “sterling,” “925,” “coin,” or “900.” A magnet test and inspection of wear patterns can help. Sterling pieces should carry purity stamps, most commonly “925,” “.925,” or “Sterling,” along with a maker’s mark.
What does 925 mean on silver?
925 means 925 parts per thousand are pure silver, or 92.5 percent. This is the standard for sterling silver.
How can I tell sterling from silverplate?
If a U.S. piece made after 1870 is not stamped “Sterling,” it is almost always plate. Silverplate items have a thin layer of silver covering a base metal and are marked with “silverplate,” “electroplate,” or “EPNS.”
What is the lion passant?
The lion passant facing left confirms the item is made of sterling silver. It is a traditional fineness symbol used in British hallmarking.
How old is my silver?
The date letter on British silver indicates the year the item was assayed. Use a reference book like Bradbury’s Book of Hallmarks to identify the exact year.
What is the difference between coin silver and sterling silver?
Coin silver is .900 (90% pure) and was used in America roughly before 1870. Sterling silver is .925 (92.5% pure) and became the standard after 1870.
When to Contact a Professional
You should contact a professional if:
- The marks are unclear or illegible
- The item may be high value
- You are handling an estate, insurance claim, or tax matter
- You are unsure whether an item is solid silver or silverplate
At Sarasota Antique Buyers, I have spent years helping people learn about the value and history of their silver antiques. If you have questions or want a second opinion on your silver’s value, feel free to contact me by phone, email, in person at our shop, or through our online consultation service. If you can’t visit in person, virtual consultations are available to help you get the answers you need from anywhere. Whether you are thinking about selling or just want to know more about your items, having the right information is the best way to avoid costly mistakes.
Additional Resources
- Bradbury’s Book of Hallmarks — The standard reference for British hallmarks, updated by Sheffield Assay Office
- 925-1000.com — Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks & Makers’ Marks
- Birmingham Assay Office — Official hallmarking information and date letter charts
- Sheffield Assay Office — UK hallmarking information and resources
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