This comprehensive guide to English silver hallmarks explains the world's oldest hallmarking system, providing essential knowledge for identifying and dating English silver.
English hallmarks consist of up to five marks: sponsor's mark (maker), standard mark (purity), assay office mark (location), date letter (year), and duty mark (tax).
Learning to read hallmarks requires understanding each symbol's meaning and how they work together to provide complete information about a silver piece.
This guide provides practical advice for applying hallmark knowledge to identify, date, and authenticate English silver pieces in real-world situations.