How do you read silver hallmark dates?

Your silver will have a hallmark called a date letter. This marking will tell you when it was produced. However, the date letters used differ depending on where the silver was assayed. For example, the date letter for 1898 in London is a lowercase c, but in Sheffield, it’s a lowercase f.

How do I find out how old my Sheffield plate is?

Since Old Sheffield Plate is made like a sandwich with silver being the bread and copper being the filling, look to the edges for clues. If when you turn over a piece, there is a thread-like silver protuberance on the underside of the edge, then it is Old Sheffield Plate (see Figure 4).

How do you read a silver hallmark?

READING BRITISH SILVER HALLMARKS

1. STEP 1 – LOOK FOR THE STANDARD MARK. There are 5 standard marks found on British Silver.
2. STEP 2 – LOOK FOR THE TOWN MARK.
3. STEP 3 – LOOK FOR THE DUTY MARK.
4. STEP 4 – LOOK FOR THE DATE LETTER.
5. STEP 5 – LOOK FOR THE MAKER’S MARK.

What is an anchor mark on silver?

The anchor was adopted as the assay office mark by Birmingham and the crown by Sheffield, supposedly as a result of the delegations meeting at a public house in London called the Crown and Anchor. The guardians of the Assay Office meet annually in July when, until 1975, the date letter was changed.

What does Q mean on silver?

Lion passant guardant or Britannia or lion’s head erased, certifying the silver quality. Maker’s mark, identifying the silversmith presenting the piece to the assay office (usually the initials of Christian name and surname of the silversmith)

What does B mean on silver?

B = Third Quality = 16 grams on 12 pieces = 1 1/3 grams per table spoon or table fork. C = Fourth Quality = 12 grams on 12 pieces = 1 grams per table spoon or table fork.

Is Sheffield silver worth anything?

Today, like sterling silver and pewter collectibles, Sheffield silver plate remains popular with collectors. Values range widely with some pieces commanding several thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. Marks of prominent makers are visible on pieces of Sheffield silver plate.

What does Sheffield mean on silver?

Silver has been manufactured in Sheffield, England for centuries. It is associated with the term “Sheffield plate” which is an older silver plating technique. Many times the place of origin will be stamped on silver items along with the date, maker and/or hallmark or purity of the silver item.

What does a lion and anchor mean on silver?

If you find a lion on your piece, you’ll immediately know that it’s come from Britain. Symbols for where it was made include an anchor for Birmingham and a crown for Sheffield (in 1975, it changed to a rose). Another mark is the head of the reigning monarch. Some companies used symbols as a commercial logo.

Is English silver worth anything?

Sterling silver holds intrinsic value as a precious metal, but antique silver pieces can be even more valuable than their silver content would indicate. This added value depends on the craftsmanship, maker and desirability of the piece offered for sale, along with the venue where an item is sold.