English silver assay marks are a series of symbols and letters used to identify the origin, purity, and date of silver items. These marks are stamped onto the silver item, usually on the bottom or back, and can be used to determine the age and value of the piece.
The earliest silver assay marks in England date back to the 12th century. These marks were used to protect the public from fraud and to ensure that the silver was of the highest quality. The marks were stamped onto the silver item by the silversmith to guarantee its authenticity. As time went on, the marks became more complex and eventually included the date of manufacture, the silversmith's name, and the city where the item was made.
The most common type of English silver assay mark is the leopard's head. This mark was first used in the 13th century and is still in use today. It is a symbol of the London Assay Office and is stamped onto all silver items made in London. Other cities in England also have their own assay marks, such as the anchor for Birmingham, the lion passant for Sheffield, and the rose for Chester.
In addition to these city marks, there are also date letters and duty marks. The date letters are used to indicate the year in which the item was made, while the duty marks are used to indicate that the appropriate duty has been paid on the item. The duty marks changed over time, so it is important to be able to identify the correct mark for the correct period.
Reading English silver assay marks can be a bit tricky, but with a bit of practice, it can be done. The marks are usually arranged in a specific order, with the leopard's head or other city mark at the top, followed by the date letter, the silversmith's mark, and the duty mark. The date letter is usually a single letter, while the silversmith's mark is usually a combination of two or three letters. The duty mark is usually a symbol, such as a crown or a thistle.
Once you have identified the marks, you can use them to determine the age and origin of the item. The date letter is the most important, as it indicates the year in which the item was made. The silversmith's mark can be used to identify the maker, while the city mark can be used to identify the city in which the item was made. The duty mark can be used to determine whether the appropriate duty was paid on the item.
English silver assay marks are a valuable tool for identifying the age and origin of silver items. By learning how to read these marks, you can determine the age and value of a piece, as well as the silversmith who made it. With a bit of practice, you can become an expert in reading English silver assay marks.