English silver marks are the hallmarks used to identify the maker of a piece of silver. Silver marks can be found on the underside of a piece of silverware, and they are used to identify the maker, the place of origin, and the date the item was made.
Silver marks have been used in England since the 13th century, and they are an important part of the history of silverware. Silver marks are a valuable tool for collectors, as they can help determine the age and origin of a piece. Silver marks can also be used to authenticate a piece of silverware, as many silver marks are unique to a specific silversmith or region.
The most common type of English silver mark is the lion passant, which is a symbol of the British monarchy. This mark is usually accompanied by the initials of the silversmith and the date the piece was made. Other marks found on English silverware include the leopard’s head, which is the mark of the London Assay Office, and the crowned harp, which is the mark of the Dublin Assay Office.
In addition to the lion passant, other marks used to identify the maker of a piece of silverware include the maker’s mark, which is the initials of the silversmith, and the town mark, which is the symbol of the town or city in which the piece was made. The date letter is also found on English silverware, and this is a letter that corresponds to the year the item was made.
English silver marks are often combined with other symbols, such as the maker’s mark, the town mark, and the date letter. These symbols are used to authenticate the piece and to provide additional information about its origin and age.
English silver marks are an important part of the history of silverware, and they are a valuable tool for collectors. Knowing how to identify and interpret these marks can help you determine the age and origin of a piece of silverware.