Irish silver hallmarks are a great way to identify authentic Irish silver. They are a form of guarantee that the silver is genuine and of the highest quality. Hallmarks are the official stamps used by the Irish Assay Office to verify the quality and purity of silver.
Hallmarks are usually found on the back or underside of silver items. They can be small, so you may need a magnifying glass to see them clearly. The hallmark will usually include a symbol, such as a harp or a wolfhound, along with a set of numbers and letters. The symbol indicates the origin of the silver, while the numbers and letters tell you the date and the purity of the silver.
The Irish Assay Office was established in Dublin in 1637. It is the oldest assay office in the world and is responsible for testing and marking all silver made in Ireland. The office is still in operation today and is responsible for testing and marking all silver made in Ireland. Every piece of Irish silver is stamped with a hallmark that includes the harp symbol, the date letter, and the fineness mark.
The harp symbol is the oldest and most recognizable of the Irish hallmarks. It is a symbol of Ireland and has been used on Irish silver since the 17th century. The date letter is a letter of the alphabet that indicates the year in which the silver was made. The fineness mark is a number that indicates the purity of the silver, usually expressed as parts per thousand. For example, 925 is the fineness mark for sterling silver.
When looking for authentic Irish silver, it is important to look for the hallmark. This will tell you if the silver is genuine and of the highest quality. It is also important to check for any damage or wear, as this can affect the value of the silver. If you are unsure about the authenticity of a piece, it is best to consult an expert.
Irish hallmarks silver is a great way to identify authentic Irish silver. The hallmark will tell you the origin, date, and purity of the silver, so you can be sure that you are buying genuine Irish silver of the highest quality. When looking for Irish silver, make sure to check for the hallmark, as this is the best way to ensure that you are getting authentic Irish silver.