Meanwhile, a hexagonal frame represented 900 fine silver. Identify your Electroplated Nickel Silver Marks. The word STERLING was frequently used by 1860. General line dealers and casual collectors can probably avoid most mass produced silver fakes in today's market by following the guidelines on page 16. Electroplating processes were invented in England in the 1830s and 1840s; this method is still used today. Molds made from originals produce copies with original appearing marks. Fig. Go no further. Leon Castner is a Senior Partner of National Appraisal Consultants, a firm specializing in personal property appraisals and appraisal consulting, insurance reports & research, pretrial consultation, and IRS tax-related appraisal matters. Joined International Silver Company in 1898 Marks used until 1976 Marks:. 1903 Springfield Scope Mount. Individuals that have silver items are always eager to know whether what they have is sterling or silver plated. Queen Elizabeth faces left. If your item does not have one of the standard fineness marks, either traditional or numerical, then it is probably silver plate or is from another county. Set of 12 Gorham Silver Soldered Silverplate Monogrammed A Hotel Ware Butter Pats, Tiffany & Co 1891 Charles L Tiffany Art Nouveau Water Pitcher In 925 Sterling Silver, Sterling Silver Unger Brothers Indian Tray with Tomahawk, Unger Brothers La Fantasie Sterling Silver Figural Nude Woman Fork, Antique Silver Plated Tiffany & Co Serving Set, Unger Brothers Sterling Silver Lorgnette Glasses, Vintage Wallace 1835 Silverplated Large Lettuce Fork, Trivet for teapot English Vintage Silver Plated, Set of 12 Antique Silver Plated Tiffany & Co Knives, Set of 11 Antique Silver Plated Tiffany & Co Forks, Unger Brothers Sterling Silver Purse Antique Box Style, Large Antique Tiffany & Co Silverplate Whittier Soup Punch Ladle, Massive Antique Silver Plated Tiffany & Co Serving Tray, Wallace Floral 1902 Ornate Silver Plated Fish Entree Dessert Server Antique Serving, Antique Victorian Era Tiffany & Co Egg Coddler, Vintage WALLACE La Reine 1155 Silver Plate Chafing Dish with Burner, 3-Leg Stand, and Lid, Antique Silver Plated Tiffany & Co Tray with Armorial and B Monogram, Tiffany & Co.. English Sterling Silver 925 Scalloped Round Serving Tray, 19th Century Victorian Silver Plated Wedding Cake Stand, c.1880, Antique Tiffany & Co Silver Plated Salt Cellars - Set of 4, Huge Antique Tiffany & Co Silver Plated Footed Compote, English Pair of Sheffield Silverplate Corinthian Column Candlesticks, Huge Antique Tiffany & Co Silver Plated Footed Serving Bowl, Set of 5 Antique Silver Plated Tiffany & Co Soup Spoons, C1881 Antique Gorham Co Silverplate Julep or Tea Strainer, Antique Tiffany and Co Silver Plated Tray, Set of 6 Antique Silver Plated Tiffany & Co Dinner Knives, Rococo Style Repousse Silver Plate Tea Caddy Spoon - U.K. - Mid 19th Century, Vintage Gorham EP YC778 Silver Plated Bowl 5, 20th Century Victorian Silver Plate & Antelope Horn Dragon Cigar Lighter, c.1900, Silver Plated Cut Glass Sardine Dish Antique Victorian c1880, Sterling Silver Top Cut Glass Bottom Vanity Dresser Jar Unger Brothers 1872-1914, Victorian Era Silver Plated Tiffany & Co Crumber Dust Pan, Antique Victorian silver plated coffee pot, Aesthetic, Pair Of Ornate Silver Plated Grape Scissors Antique Victorian c1900, Tiffany & Co. 925 Sterling Silver Cushion Tag Key Ring w/ Box, American Sterling Silver Floral Repousse Bowl by Unger Brothers, Pair English Teapot Hot Water Coffee Pots Engraved Black Handles Cooper, Antique Silver plated cherub menu holders, Putti, Antique 19th century Sheffield Silver Plate Nautilus Shell Spoon Warmer, Set of 12 Antique Silver Plated Tiffany & Co Soup Spoons, 1860s Tiffany & Co Silver Plated Hot Water Urn, Antique 19thC Victorian Solid Silver Chinoiserie Style Tea Set, E Farrell, c.1838, Two Hotel Silver Gorham International Tea Pots San Diego Athletic Club, Tiffany & Co. Whittier Serving Spoon 1900s, Tiffany & Co 1900 Charles L Tiffany Edwardian Art Nouveau Trumpet Vase In 925 Sterling, Antique 19thC Victorian Solid Silver Orientalist 5 Piece Tea & Coffee Set c.1843, Cut Crystal & Silverplate Biscuit Barrel - United Kingdom - Early 20th Century, Vintage Sterling Pierced Repousse Heart Dish Wallace, Tiffany & Co Makers Small Bowl Sterling Silver 1734 Reproduction c.1907-47 mark, Unger Brothers Sterling Silver Cherub Putti & Rose Mirror Dinner Place Holder, Vintage Gorham 1937 Silver Plate Cavalier 5 7/8 Teaspoons - Set of Eight, Tiffany English King Sterling Silver Rare Toast Rack, Art Nouveau silver plated trinket pill box, embossed with leaves, scrolls and flowers, Pair of Antique Tiffany & Co Silver Plated Candelabras, Robert Wallace & Sons Patriotic 1940 Bullet Salt & Pepper Set In .925 Sterling Silver, Gorham Silver Shelburne Pastry Server with Silverplate Blade. Because it resembles silver, at first glance, EPNS can be mistaken for solid silver, a fact upon which counterfeiters and other unscrupulous individuals rely. ( ABCD ) : the letters are inside an unique outline (of various shape) [ ABCD ] : the letters are inside a shield hand, tower, crown, etc. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. of dots to produce a rough surface. It was denoted by the figure of Britannia and the lions head erased. The best means of accurately identifying legitimate electroplated nickel silver items is the close study of the marks of the relevant maker. Unknown mark Canadian Plate. *It is possible for the item to be stamped with just a number to indicate its purity (e.g. Learn to know good work by its shape, feel, and construction. TOUCH Both sterling and silverplate will have Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% an alloy of copper or nickel. Usually, said precious metal, as the name suggests, is silver. This is a fantasy product. : describes (when possible) a symbol present on the silver plate hallmark gothic : the letters are in gothic style date indicates approximate period of firm's activity ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF SILVERPLATE MARKS A typical hallmark on silver made in England for either export or sale in England. 3. 1,2, or 3; 925, Netherlands Lion with Number 1 or 2 (93.4% or 83.3%), Russia 84 or 96; Sometimes Womans Head For an item to be deemed sterling silver, 92.5% of the metal content in the alloy must be pure silver. The mark was first found on a group of new silver match safes with sports themes. 24 was based. 23 Close up view of the mark on Indian badge above, Tiffany Studio New York. The hallmark for sterling silver varies from nation to nation, often using distinctive historic symbols, although Dutch and UK Assay offices no longer strike their traditional hallmarks exclusively in their own territories and undertake assay in other countries using marks that are the same as those used domestically. Learning how to define the origin of a piece of silver, the year made and the silversmith is great fun and also a way of perhaps finding a rare item that was made in a particular year or city. Mackie marks his rings with one of two hallmarks. imported silver. Find the Value of your Electroplated Nickel Silver collectibles. It is perfectly legal, for example, to stamp silver with trademarks or brand names of companies no longer in business or whose trademark is no longer registered. The directory of gold and silversmiths, jewellers and allied traders 1838-1914, Jackson's silver and gold marks 3rd edition, Marks of London goldsmiths and silversmiths, 1837-1914, https://guides.slv.vic.gov.au/hallmarking, Online encyclopedia of silver marks, hallmarks and makers marks, Finial antique silver spoon collectors magazine, The Goldsmiths' Company Ask-the Library service, Hallmarking Archive Scottish Goldsmiths Trust, Hallmarks England and specific towns such as, lion passant denotes silver marked in England, lion rampant denotes silver marked in Scotland, palladium indicated by the helmeted head of Pallas Athena. He holds a CAPP in Appreciable Residential Contents and has been an adjunct professor of Fine and Decorative Arts at Centenary University. Silver plate hallmarks have no recognised official system, but are often stamped with abbreviations. HOME; American Marks. The control mark, a set of scales, was adopted in 1976. The makers mark will never be recycled even if it falls out of use. Use the standard mark to determine the fineness of the metal. The difficulty in detecting such marks is generally related to the skill and knowledge of the forger. denting silverplate, so be careful. reasoning. If you are unable to Additional types of objects made include keys, costume jewelry, zippers, wind instruments such as clarinets, sculptures and art pieces, and replica silver coins and bullion. When the Birmingham Assay Office was established in 1773, largely due to the representations of the great Midlands industrialist, Matthew Boulton, the mark of an anchor was adopted as the town mark. The use of 925, however, does not preclude the use of sterling. Antique Silver Hallmark Identification Forums. Since its invention, the technique of electroplating use has spread across the globe. The complete hallmark in Fig. $66.60. Main Menu~American; Modernist Silver Marks; Gorham Date Marks; Kirk Date Marks; Reed & Barton Dates . Become familiar with the English king or queens head mark as an indication of age. 2-1/2" long, available in black or silver, matte anodized finish, weighs 1 ounce. 925, France Profile with Helmet and Marked 1 or Main Menu~American; Modernist Silver Marks; Gorham Date Marks; Kirk Date Marks; Reed & Barton Dates . Antique Silver Hallmark Identification Forums. 5-7 New silver whistle in Fig. Niello Black It may help to have a magnifying glass and some silver polish handy. England has also agreed to accept standard marks on silver imported into England from any nation that signs a 1976 treaty, or convention, guaranteeing strict testing of silver content. Mar 18, 2015 - Explore Sandi Logan's board "Collection of porcelain & pottery makers marks", followed by 455 people on Pinterest. [citation needed] Prior to the general adoption of sterling silver as the standard of purity in 1868, silver was generally obtained from the melting of coins. Pieces for sale in England, as well as for export, must also have an English assay mark. Most silver and goldsmiths making bespoke pieces will still opt to use the date letter, however for mass produced silver items it saves the importers money to leave it off. Fig. Figs. Typical pre-1975 British hallmark. Backstamping Marking a piece of silver with the retailers mark-not Silver Forum Index . The traditional method of marking is by hand punches, and is still the favoured method. If you make a single mold with an old appearing mark, every piece made in the mold will carry that mark. At the current time, faked cast marks are more commonly found on new silver plate than silver. Ingot Bar on Nickel Silver, EPC Electroplate About Silverplated Objects and Non-Silver Mistaken for Sterling, Illustration: The Spruce / Hilary Allison. The hallmarking of Irish silver began towards the middle of the 17th century. etc.). COIN, DOLLAR, and STANDARD were usually American terms, but some Irish makers also used them. This trademark application was filed with the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) under the trademark classification: Jewelry Products ; Advertising, Business & Retail Services; The LE CORONE trademark application covers Alloys . In the early United States, no national assaying system was adopted, although the city of Baltimore did maintain its own assay office between 1814 and 1830. : describes (when possible) a symbol present on the silver plate hallmark gothic : the letters are in gothic style date indicates approximate period of firm's activity ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF SILVERPLATE MARKS The 13 indicates silver purity, 13/16 lothig or .813, year 1753. These important pieces of information about silvers are often contained in the hallmarks. Stamped marks are generally much cleaner and sharper than cast marks. 26-28 New silver brooch, above, appears with forged Unger Bros. mark in Fig. Hestia Frigg Posts: 1 Silver plate or electroplate is formed when a thin layer of pure or sterling silver is deposited electrolytically on the surface of a base metal. It was George Richards Elkington and Henry Elkington of Sheffield, England, who, in 1840, patented the modern process for producing electroplated nickel silver. Quick links. A silver plated item should not have a legal hallmark, as it will not be pure enough to be considered as silver. Hallmarks can be applied in one of three ways. inlay used as decorative markings in silver. This ratio is called the "sterling standard" and has been used in the US since the mid-1860s. Same piece also available in brass (bronze). 19-21 This GJ-925-sterling mark (Fig. One concave line represented 140/1000 fineness, a straight one 150 and a convex one 160. Very rarely are qualifying pieces of American silver from those years marked only 925. The biggest danger in detecting new molded marks is to stop your examination after you have matched a suspected mark to marks in a reference book. You must examine how marks are made as well as how the mark reads. Antique Silver Hallmarks and how to indentify where your silver comes from. The French have two standards for silver purity or fineness. 925. Hallmarks are placed on different parts of silver pieces. View more in our Electroplated Nickel Silver Price Guide. This is especially true with jewelry. I have attended many auctions in all parts of the country. Any piece with the scale control mark cannot be earlier than the mid- to late-1970s. Further details in the EPNS/EPBM page 7 also qualifies the piece for export to any of the nations that signed the 1976 convention. Silver standards were .800 and .925 marked within an oval cartouche. HOME; American Marks. Typical hallmarks on silver which may be freely traded among all nations agreeing to or signing the 1976 convention, or treaty, regulating hallmarks. But if a piece was made in England for sale at home it would require a fourth mark, a British assay mark. Most of these marks contain obvious features such as size, lack of detail, a convention mark, or the 925 standard mark, that will help you easily identify pieces as new. "Hotel" The head was encircled by a frame, optionally composed of convex, concave and straight lines. To locate it in different items, check: Finding the hallmark is just the beginning of silver hallmarks identification. 16, 18). This presents obvious problems for those interested in antique and collectible silver and silver plate. From marks4antiques.com - The most updated price guide and makers' marks research online As a member, you can ask for our assistance at any time for free . Because of possible confusion with the Crown mark used after 1798, (as the hallmark for 18ct gold), the Sheffield assay mark was changed on January 1st 1975 for a rose. (484) 973-6008 According to the law, quality-marked silver also must bear the name or a U.S. registered trademark of the company or person that will stand behind the mark."[1]. Use this site to help you decode English, Irish, and Scottish Silver mark examples. Flatware Tableware items that are flat.. Then click on the The dating system was discontinued in 1830 when the silversmiths developed another system. Figs. The marks on the bottom of a piece of silver can be an indication of the age, maker, and origin of the piece. Martel was made of silver of sterling or better quality, some with 950 parts silver to each 1000 parts. You have no items in your shopping cart. It is the sound flea market fans rushing towa Dear Lee, In your e-mail, please include as much of the following as possible. Therefore, hallmarking is generally done before the piece goes for its final polishing. The pattern number appears on the left of the word Makers; the order number appears to the right (see white arrows). It gives the collector and dealer who understands them, specific permanent marks to establish firm dates of production. A silver object that is to be sold commercially is, in most countries, stamped with one or more silver hallmarks indicating the purity of the silver, the mark of the manufacturer or silversmith, and other (optional) markings to indicate date of manufacture and additional information about the piece. 2023 Terry Kovel and Ralph & Terry Kovel & Kim Kovel. Many vintage marks, but far from all, include the name of the manufacturer. When metals are combined, they are known as alloys. 1A - 1D Typical examples of new silver and silver plate reproductions with new, faked or confusing marks. silver plate marks. Simply learn to recognise those Antique Silver Hallmarks. The higher is 950 parts per thousand, or 95% silver referred to as 1st Standard. We will focus on the marks found on reproductions of small decorative and novelty pieces such as match safes, sewing accessories, pill boxes, chatelaines, thimbles and similar wares. Since new molds are usually made by copying originals, marks on originals are usually transferred to the new molds. Unique, individual or custom markssuch as serial numbers, order numbers, artists marks, hallmarks, etc.were generally made with hand-struck punches, each punch bearing a single letter, numeral or symbol. Forgeries attempting to copy genuinely old marks, are somewhat harder to detect. Each silversmith registered and was assigned a number. Hollowware Items that are not flatware but hollow (bowls, vases, Some authentic Victorian-era silver-plated pieces do bear applied discs with the manufacturers name. This works for coins, but not Sign up for more easy craft ideas, fun hobbies, and DIY projects. (e.g. WorthPoint is the largest resource online for identifying, researching and valuing antiques. There were other previous assay offices. Electroplated Nickel Silver, Old Sheffield Plate and Close Plate Makers Marks; from 1784 by George Mappin. 37. A magnet will firmly stick to a silverplated item, but it will not adhere to sterling silver. Many centuries later, once Westerners got ahold of it, they knew it by the name white copper, translated from Mandarin and Cantonese. Call 01892 752211. Their products are usually marked REO plus the copyright symbol, and the word sterling (see Figs. Hear that thunder in the distance? 925 means the metal is sterling silver. HOME; American Marks. All 925 marks, whether standing alone or combined with other symbols as the above example, are very nearly a guarantee of a reproduction. I read m Join tens of thousands of other collectors who receive this Free weekly email with insider tips, news, marks and other news from the Kovels, Bottles come in all shapes and sizes. Hallmarks are applied with a hammer and punch, a process that leaves sharp edges and spurs of metal. This will put you in a better position if you finally decide to sell your silver. From 1830 onward, two key trends emerged: exports of white copper from China slowed to a trickle, and then ceased, and German white copper manufacturing methods were brought to England. Quick Makers' Marks. Left ~ 18th Cent. Fig. Pieces with the scale control mark cannot be earlier than mid- to late-1970s. International Silver Company records. 5, is marked with the two hallmarks shown in Figs. Atlanta, Georgia 30328 | 877.481.5750, BENEDICT is preceded, on each subsequent line, by INDESTRUCTO, SHEFFIELD PLATE, E.P.N.S., MADE IN USA., Electroplated Nickel Silver, Old Sheffield Plate and Close Plate Makers Marks; from 1784, Guide to the Archive of Art and Design, Victoria & Albert Museum, Elkington Electroplate Silver / Silver Plate Marks and Date Letters: Elkington-Elkington, Mason & Co-Elkington & Co-Elkington & Co. The modern copyright symbol, , is almost always a sign of modern production. Use the links below to go to the section you want. Try now. Thanks to the alloy, sterling silver is harder than fine silver but softer than many metals. The silver standard mark. 2 (95% or 80%), Germany Crescent Moon and Crown (80%)-Sometimes Pottery Marks Identification Guide & Index, Antiques Roadshow: Antiques, Collectibles & Heirlooms. Cast marks tend to be shallow with ragged or blurred edges and uneven in depth of impression. All graphics are taken from real hallmarks. Mr. Castner is a Registered Contractor for RTC, FDIC, US Marshalls Office, Attorney General, TASA, and has provided major appraisals for these organizations. Sterling and 925 virtually never appeared as separate words standing apart in vintage marks. Pamela has over 30 years of experience and has been writing for 20 years. Fig. 32, 33). The original includes both a pattern and order number missing in the fake. I have a pair of earrings that are silver and turquoise and are clip on earrings on the back of each earring is either a fancy M or W inside a circle and I have not been able to find anything anywhere about this mark can someone help me. With almost any silver or silverplate item, you'll notice tiny stamped marks somewhere on the piece. To locate it in different items, check: Bottom of silver trays, bowls, teapots and dishes. We offer FREE Antique Evaluations & Antique Appraisals. on Nickel Silver with White Metal Mounts, Austria Loth symbol and number 13 (813/1000) Identifying English, Irish and Scottish Silver The marks on silver made in other countries often use symbols that can be quite confusing until you decipher what they mean. If the kings head faces right, it was made before 1850. Since 1999, more and more reproductions are including both 925 and sterling. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. surface and then filled with enamel. Which had incidentally, been used as the gold assay mark for Sheffield when the Assay Office was first entitled to test gold, after March 1st 1904. And inside of rings and cuff bracelets. Here are some of the most common types of silver alloys, with information on how they are often marked: When an item is not marked to identify its silver content but still tarnishes like silver, there is a very good chance it is a silverplated piece. By far the vast majority of qualifying items made in the US ca. But while most governments strictly monitor standard marks, very few regulate marks not related to the content of precious metals. 9 - Any standard mark that includes 925 is suspicious. The most common shortcut is to cast, or mold, a mark rather than stamp marks. See also the definitions page in this guide for additional information on hallmark components. It will flex. Silverplate does not yield as easily. The collector in pursuit of sterling silver, or any solid silver item, should beware of any articles sold as nickel silver or German silver, for, again, these are not, in fact, real silver. In that year, a decree by Edward I laid down that silver or gold could not be made or sold unless it was marked by the leopards head or The Kings Mark, as it was then known. 1973-1979 Ford Truck 11-Digit VIN Decoder The first (3) digits of the VIN are the 'Truck Series' Looking at the chart below, 'F26' would be 1973-1979 F-250 44 pick-up. Cast marks are almost always blurred and uneven, Fig. Silver plate woven basket - unidentified marks. In your e-mail, please include as much of the following as possible. She co-founded the Costume Jewelry Collectors International, a global educational website. If a piece was made in a foreign country for import into England, it would include a maker's mark, control mark and standard mark. Below is the result of identify ECU on an EVO X ECU. Homeowners Personal Contents & Collections. Real Or Repro is an industry resource powered by, Two Vintage Silver Plated Trivet Stands Wallace Gorham, Large English Silver on Copper 27" Chippendale Footed Butler Tray Buffet Serving Platter Silverplate by Wallace, Wallace Baroque Footed Serving Fruit Centerpiece Bowl Vintage Silver Plated 207F, Wallace Baroque Silverplate Salt Pepper Shakers, Wallace Baroque 282 Silverplate Coffee Pot, Wallace Baroque Silver Plate single candlestick, Wallace Baroque 282 Silverplate Coffee Pot #2, Vintage Collectible 2 Baroque Wallace Silverplated 736 Pattern Candle Holders, Nancy Dean R Wallace Silver Plate Tongs Pattern #1835, C1890's Gorham Silver Plate Silver Soldered Chocolate Pot, Wallace Silver Baroque Coffee and Tea Service Set & 17" Footed Tray, Vintage, Antique Wallace "Louvre" Pattern Solid Pie Server, Vintage Wallace #7333 Pierced Footed Silver plate Expandable Trivet, Ornate Birmingham SILVERPLATE Chafing Dish Warmer -marked Berkeley Hotel BSL - England, Early Tiffany Grapevine Tidbit Tray Server Grape Leaf, Motif, Design, Silverplated, Gorham Paul Revere Silver Plate (EP) 5 Footed Bowl YC778, Gorham Revere Bowl Silverplate Glass Liner 6 1/2" YCC9, VINTAGE Wallace Color Clad Silver Plated Footed Dish with Blue Interior #9047, Antique Gorham silverplate ornate grape shears grape clusters design 050, Circa 1930s Sterling Silver Gorham Calling Card Tray, Mid 20th Century Gorham Silver Plated (EP) Paul Revere 4 1/2 Footed Bowl, Tiffany & Co Silver Plated Asparagus Tongs, Antique Silver Plated Tiffany & Co Letter Holder. lion passant) and the date letter have both been optional. 1) symbol for the town in which the silver content was certified, called an assay or town mark; 2) symbol for the year of manufacture called the date letter; 3) symbol representing the silversmith or factory which made the object, called maker's mark or sponsors mark; 4) symbol for the standard mark guaranteeing the silver content. There are 13 potential purity markings, depending on the purity as well as the city of origin. A false silver hallmark has always been treated with the utmost severity by the law and in the past a silversmith was pilloried for their first offence, where they would be pelted with rotten fruit and vegetables. What are Nickel Silver, German Silver and Alpaca? French silver made for export carries an assay mark in the shape of the head of Mercury, along with a number to indicate the millesimal fineness: "1" for .920, "2" for .840 and "3" for .750. Fig. Kennedy Half Dollar Values and Prices (1964-2015), Gold-Colored Jewelry That Isnt Really Gold, Researching Silver and Silverplate Online, Early Jefferson Nickel Values 1938 - 1964. But it is a general rule that virtually all pieces marked 925 or sterling 925 are modern. This doesn't mean all pieces marked sterling or sterling silver old. A silverplate marking, sometimes incorporated into a manufacturer's mark, indicates that the item was made by electroplating a base metal with a relatively thin coating of silver. on White Metal, EPBM Electroplate Strictly necessary cookies enable essential services and functionality, including identity verification, site security, etc. This is to ensure it is of the required sterling silver standard and, provided it conforms to a standard, a series of symbols are stamped into each part of the item. 1. Right ~ 19th Cent. Discovering a piece of silver that might hold particular relevance or have been produced by a highly respected maker can bring rich rewards. Rather than sell the bars for little more than scrap, the silver was cast into the shapes of 17th century Spanish coins and made into jewelry. 2023 - WorthPoint Corporation | 5 Concourse Parkway NE, Suite 2900. First, the lady's head was die-stamped, then a sheet of silver was soldered on the back. Silverplate Trademarks - Worldwide . A treasonable offence in times when treason was punished by death. In some countries, the testing of silver objects and marking of purity is controlled by a national assayer's office. is actually pure silver. These so-called convention hallmarks consist of a registered maker's mark and either two or three other marks: a control mark, a standard mark and, if the piece was made in England, an assay mark. Tip: Sometimes polishing an item will reveal hidden markings, repairs, wear, and other indications of metal content. They include: 1) symbol for the town in which the silver content was certified, called an assay or town mark; 2) symbol for the year of manufacture called the date letter; 3) symbol representing the silversmith or factory which made the object, called maker's mark or sponsors mark; 4) symbol for the standard mark guaranteeing the silver content.