How do you identify silverware markings?

Silver hallmarks are one of the most important factors in identifying antique silver jewelry, flatware, and other items. These small stamped symbols on the back or underside of silver items can tell you the purity of the silver, the manufacturer of the piece, and sometimes even the date it was made.

What does the letter s mean on silverware?

S = Sheffield. Apparently, this practise was not followed by Birmingham plate makers as I never found a mark with a “B” used to identify Birmingham as the town of origin (but I found marks of firms active in Birmingham bearing the “S” of Sheffield -possibly having a branch in Sheffield-). “G” FOR GLASGOW TOWN MARK.

What does is mean on the back of silverware?

This is the founding date of Rogers Brothers that they include in the hallmark of all their silverware. The “IS” stands for International Silver who has owned Rogers since 1898. The point is that neither of these markings gives any indication about the purity or value of the silver.

What is sponsor Mark?

The sponsors’ mark indicates either the manufacturer or person who sent the article for hallmarking. Most sponsors’ marks take the form of initials surrounded by a shield design – this is important, as many different sponsors may have the same initials.

What does S on a silver spoon mean?

The more common town symbols used by electroplaters were: G = Glasgow. L = London. M = Manchester. S = Sheffield.

What is a hallmark on silver?

The vast majority of English, Scottish and Irish silver produced in the last 500 years is stamped with either 4 or 5 symbols, known as hallmarks. The prime purpose of these marks is to show that the metal of the item upon which they are stamped is of a certain level of purity.

What are some of the oldest cutlery companies in the UK?

FREDERICK BARNES &co. Birmingham, London and Sheffield (1892) Cutlery and goods in other metals Ref. 1892, 1919, 1974 JOSEPH BARNES Sheffield (1787) Knives Ref. 1787 ISAAC BARNES Sheffield (1892) Cutlery of all kinds Ref. 1892 SENRAB BARNES BARNES BARNES wI wtI…… wtI vii WIll…… JOHN BATT & CO.

Which silver marks are collectable?

Silver struck with the half leopard’s head and half fleur de lys of York (closed 1856) and the crowned X or a three-turreted castle of Exeter (closed 1883) can be collectable on account of its rarity and sense of place. Below is list of marks applied by provincial assay offices which have now ceased operating:

What is the International Convention on silver hallmarks?

Since 1972 the United Kingdom has been a signatory to the International Convention on Hallmarks. Silver marked in Convention countries bears a maker’s mark, a common control mark, a purity mark and a country mark. Nine examples of country marks are shown here.