Russian silver hallmarks are an important part of identifying authentic Russian silver. These hallmarks can tell you the age, maker, and other details about the piece. Knowing how to read and interpret these hallmarks can help you make sure that you are getting an authentic piece of Russian silver. This guide will help you understand the different types of Russian silver hallmarks and how to identify them.
There are three main types of Russian silver hallmarks: the Imperial Eagle, the Soviet Hammer and Sickle, and the modern Russian hallmark. The Imperial Eagle was used from 1797 to 1917 and is the most recognizable of the Russian silver hallmarks. It features a double-headed eagle with a crown and a scepter in its talons. The Soviet Hammer and Sickle was used from 1918 to 1991 and is a symbol of the Soviet Union. It features a hammer and sickle crossed over a five-pointed star. The modern Russian hallmark is used today and features a double-headed eagle with a shield in its talons.
Reading Russian silver hallmarks can be a bit tricky, but with a bit of practice, you can learn to identify them. The first thing you should look for is the maker's mark. This is usually a letter or initials that indicate who made the piece. The second thing to look for is the assay mark. This is a symbol or letter that indicates the purity of the silver. Finally, the date mark tells you when the piece was made. This is usually a combination of letters and numbers that indicate the year and sometimes the month.
Russian silver hallmarks can be found on the underside of the piece, usually near the handle or rim. If the piece is too large or too small to have a hallmark, it may be stamped on the back or inside of the piece. It is important to note that some pieces may have been altered or repaired and the hallmarks may have been removed or changed. In these cases, it can be difficult to determine the authenticity of the piece.
Russian silver hallmarks are an important part of identifying authentic Russian silver. Knowing how to read and interpret these hallmarks can help you make sure that you are getting an authentic piece of Russian silver. This guide has provided you with an overview of the different types of Russian silver hallmarks and how to identify them. With a bit of practice, you can become an expert in identifying authentic Russian silver.