If youve ever been curious about antique silverware, youve likely come across the term silver plate marks. These marks are used to identify the maker of a piece of silverware, as well as the age and origin of the piece. In this article, well discuss the different silver plate marks used in England and how to identify them.
Silver plate marks are symbols or letters stamped onto a piece of silverware that indicate the maker, origin, and age of the piece. Silver plate marks are usually found on the underside of the item and can be used to identify the manufacturer, the type of silver used, and the date the item was made. Silver plate marks can also be used to determine the authenticity of a piece.
English silver plate marks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most common marks are the Lion Passant, the Anchor, the Leopards Head, the Crown, and the Date Letter. Each of these marks has a specific meaning and can be used to identify the maker and age of a piece of silverware.
The Lion Passant is the most widely used silver plate mark in England. It is a symbol of the British monarchy and is usually found on pieces made before the 19th century. The Lion Passant is usually accompanied by the makers mark, which is a set of initials or a symbol that identifies the manufacturer.
The Anchor is another common silver plate mark found in England. It is usually accompanied by the makers mark and indicates that the piece was made in Birmingham. It is also used to indicate the date of manufacture, with a different letter being used for each year.
The Leopards Head is a symbol used to indicate the origin of a piece of silverware. It is usually found on pieces made in London and is accompanied by the makers mark. The Leopards Head is also used to indicate the date of manufacture, with a different letter being used for each year.
The Crown is another symbol used to indicate the origin of a piece of silverware. It is usually found on pieces made in Edinburgh and is accompanied by the makers mark. The Crown is also used to indicate the date of manufacture, with a different letter being used for each year.
The Date Letter is a symbol used to indicate the date of manufacture of a piece of silverware. It is usually accompanied by the makers mark and is used to indicate the year in which the item was made. The Date Letter is usually found on pieces made after the 19th century.
Silver plate marks are an important tool for identifying the maker, origin, and age of a piece of silverware. The most common silver plate marks used in England are the Lion Passant, the Anchor, the Leopards Head, the Crown, and the Date Letter. By familiarizing yourself with these marks, you can easily identify the age and origin of a piece of antique silverware.