English sterling silver makers marks are a great way to identify the maker of a piece of silver. They are often found on the bottom of a piece of silver or on the back of a piece of jewelry. These marks can tell you a lot about the piece and its history. They can also be used to determine the age and value of a piece.
English sterling silver makers marks have been used since the 12th century. It was during this time that silversmiths began to mark their work with a mark of their own. This was done to ensure that the work was genuine and of high quality. Over the centuries, these marks have evolved and become more detailed. Today, there are hundreds of different makers marks that can be found on silver pieces.
English sterling silver makers marks can be divided into two main categories: hallmarks and assay marks. Hallmarks are the most common type of mark and are used to identify the maker of a piece of silver. These marks are usually found on the bottom or back of a piece and typically contain the makers initials, a symbol, or a combination of both. Assay marks, on the other hand, are used to indicate the purity of the silver. These marks are usually found on the top or side of a piece and contain a number or letter that indicates the purity of the silver.
Reading English sterling silver makers marks can be a bit tricky. The first step is to identify the type of mark. Hallmarks usually contain the makers initials, a symbol, or a combination of both. Assay marks usually contain a number or letter that indicates the purity of the silver. Once you have identified the type of mark, you can then look up the maker in a reference book or online to learn more about the piece.
English sterling silver makers marks are a great way to identify the maker of a piece of silver. They can also be used to determine the age and value of a piece. By understanding the different types of marks and how to read them, you can gain valuable insight into the history of a piece of silver.