Dress your table with a touch of the sea and revel in the crisp white and deep blues of the Royal Doulton Pacific range. If a piece is not American, refer to the sources about English or Continental silver. It will flex. Silverplate does not yield as easily. There was a simple reason for this seemingly Draconian behaviour in that the manufacture of silver and gold was allied to the minting of currency. Wm Rogers Silver Plate Candlesticks Set Of 2 / Pair 9 Inch Tall $35. Fig. Fig. With earring posts, hanging loops and other jewelry findings removed, Atocha pieces are sometimes offered as old Spanish coins, far right. Here are some common marks on silver or silverplate - These marks mean the same standard as US silver prior to 1870-or 90% silver: COIN PURE COIN .900 These marks mean the same as a content of 92.5% silver: STERLING 925 These marks mean electroplated, developed in the US around the Civil War by William Rogers: EPNS Electroplate on Nickel Silver 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. Original marks are stampedletters and numbers have sharp edges and details, Fig. Town marks for imported silver have differed from the normal marks Use the links below to go to the section you want. All 925 marks, whether standing alone or combined with other symbols as the above example, are very nearly a guarantee of a reproduction. Skip to content. Fig. In some countries, the testing of silver objects and marking of purity is controlled by a national assayer's office. Makers' Marks & Hallmarks on British & Irish Silver. Every item made of silver must be sent to an Assay Office for testing. Discovering a piece of silver that might hold particular relevance or have been produced by a highly respected maker can bring rich rewards. The best means of accurately identifying legitimate electroplated nickel silver items is the close study of the marks of the relevant maker. Explore over 425 Million sold for prices with item details and images. Since its invention, the technique of electroplating use has spread across the globe. The millesimal, or numeric expression of the standard, 925, must appear in the middle of the scale. Silver Plate marks on Possible Christopher Dresser Kettle. This is especially important if your original mark is a line drawing and not a photograph. A well researched mark which includes a date stamp in the bottom line, M. Fortunately the forger overlooked the order number and pattern number. Queen Victoria faces left. The silver marks most widely forged marks are generally those which have the potential for the greatest increase in value. Detailed image of hallmark far right. Hi there I have this basket that has some unidentified marks to the base. Fig. Individuals that have silver items are always eager to know whether what they have is sterling or silver plated. lion Personal menu. This doesn't mean all pieces marked sterling or sterling silver old. Most marks on silver plate, regardless of the size of the mark, were mostly struck by machine presses because the base metal was heavier and stronger than solid silver. 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. The first London silver hallmark to be used was the leopards head, in the year 1300. Reading marks left to right: maker's mark, DAB; standard mark, lion passant; assay mark, London; date stamp, 1993. About 50%-60% of the product line is based on reproductions of antique shapes such as sewing novelties, stamp boxes, pill boxes, chatelaines, and other shapes like the figural suitcase stamp box, Fig. ( ABCD ) : the letters are inside an unique outline (of various shape) [ ABCD ] : the letters are inside a shield hand, tower, crown, etc. Some jewelry described as "silver plate" has a layer of silver applied to a base metal. 3 Example of the international hallmark complying to rules established in convention of 1976. From pharaohs, Roman emperors and continuing today, fineness, or standard marks, have been used to guarantee minimum amounts of precious metal in relation to non-precious metal. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. STERLING means that 925 out of 1000 parts are silver. The four components of a hallmark are: the sponsor or makers mark, the standard mark, the assay office mark and the date letter for the year. Figs. The higher is 950 parts per thousand, or 95% silver referred to as 1st Standard. Main Menu~American; Modernist Silver Marks; Gorham Date Marks; Kirk Date Marks; Reed & Barton Dates . 3. Silver standards were .800 and .925 marked within an oval cartouche. 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. The complete hallmark in Fig. The hallmarking of Irish silver began towards the middle of the 17th century. Today, collecting Antique Silver is a very lucrative pastime, which can be taken up by anyone with a little bit of time and money. Engraving Cutting a design into a piece using an engraving Main Menu~American; Modernist Silver Marks; Gorham Date Marks . Antique Silver Hallmark Identification Forums. The most common shortcut is to cast, or mold, a mark rather than stamp marks. As can be gleaned from the below examples, and as is the case with antique sterling silver pieces, electroplated nickel silver wares are habitually marked with the acronym EPNS., The characters EPNS BERNDORF are followed by a circle containing a sign, a square containing the capitalized initial B, and a rectangle encapsulating the word AUSTRIA., Here we have the name MELFORD and, below this, E.P.N.S., In this example, the name BENEDICT is preceded, on each subsequent line, by INDESTRUCTO, SHEFFIELD PLATE, E.P.N.S., MADE IN USA.. An original Unger Bros. mark shown in Fig. Read Inkerman's to find out and get some great tips for cleaning your precious items in the future. 2023 - WorthPoint Corporation | 5 Concourse Parkway NE, Suite 2900. on Britannia Metal, EPNS-WMM Electroplate One concave line represented 140/1000 fineness, a straight one 150 and a convex one 160. Fig. (e.g. $66.60. 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. These important pieces of information about silvers are often contained in the hallmarks. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% an alloy of copper or nickel. Some of them contain no silver at all, so its prudent to understand these terms when investing in antiques or collectibles. As a practical matter, it is almost impossible to remember all the names, forms and variations of silver marks. Several of the pieces were close copies of known original shapes. Please send us an email at chris@antiquesilver.org.. Reproductions, particularly new silver plate, are generally cast in molds. Prior to 1975 the date letter varied for every office. This will put you in a better position if you finally decide to sell your silver. 3. The scales control mark, in Fig. 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. Become familiar with the English king or queens head mark as an indication of age. Identify ECU in ProECU Once selected it will query the ECU CAL ID and VIN Number and bring up a list of ROMs that have that CAL ID in your C:\EcuTek folder. Maybebaby89 Posts: 1 Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2014 4:32 am. Silver and Other Metals identification guide, Top 10 Tips For Smart Flea Market Shopping. In 1973, the European Community (EC) agreed to recognize 925/1000 as the official sterling silver standard and 925 as the official standard mark. Please send us an email at chris@antiquesilver.org. 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. By 1830 the words COIN, PURE COIN, DOLLAR, STANDARD, PREMIUM, or the letters C or D were placed on silver to indicate that it was 900 out of 1000 parts silver. Since new molds are usually made by copying originals, marks on originals are usually transferred to the new molds. Champleve Cuts into surface filled with enamel then polished. With the 925 standard mark, a piece of silver can virtually be sold world wide with the same mark. Because it resembles silver, at first glance, EPNS can be mistaken for solid silver, a fact upon which counterfeiters and other unscrupulous individuals rely. Pieces for export must include the 1976 convention hallmark, a scale. 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. Many of the rings are direct copies from Victorian-era original. 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. Some of the most common cast forgeries of old marks in the market today are found on figural napkin rings. The date letter example above represents 1983. One of the most highly structured hallmarking systems in the world is that of the United Kingdom, (Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland), and Ireland. 30 Typical Atocha silver "coin" with confusing marks. on Nickel Silver with White Metal Mounts, Austria Loth symbol and number 13 (813/1000) Between 1867 and 1933, Austria-Hungary and later, Hungary used the crescent moon crowned head of ancient Greek heroine Diana as the hallmarking symbol of legal silver alloys. 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 . Figs. 24 was based. Then click on the Thus, most silver, including items that known as sterling silver, fall into the alloy category. : 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 For an item to be deemed sterling silver, 92.5% of the metal content in the alloy must be pure silver. This mark is referred to as a "hallmark." To find Kovels' silver hallmarks' database, go to "Look for your mark. on White Metal, EPBM Electroplate Figs. Now, years later, collectors know that fine American silver was also made during the nineteenth, twentieth and twenty-first centuries. For coins, denting silverplate, so be careful. The quality of the original pictures varies greatly and I have been obliged to use some pictures which are not as good as I would like. 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. Sir Christopher double jigger by Wallace. Hear that thunder in the distance? The control mark, a set of scales, was adopted in 1976. These five nations have, historically, provided a wealth of information about a piece through their series of applied punches. Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox. Use a cotton swab to gently polish the area near the mark. This works for coins, but not To locate it in different items, check: Finding the hallmark is just the beginning of silver hallmarks identification. Each silversmith registered and was assigned a number. These symbols may be placed in any order. Find the Value of your Electroplated Nickel Silver collectibles. Today and for the past few centuries, this stamp or silver hallmark has shown the place and year of manufacture of the assayed silver item, as well as the silversmith who made or sponsored the item. Ornate capital letters or the fleur-de-lis were used in France. Note that coverage of Scottish provincial marks is far from . Starting in 1894, the Forbes Silver Company [,a secondary trademark of the Meriden Britannia Company ,] produced a variety of small silverplated pieces for use by women in the home, including a very large line of silverplated toiletware, as well as a general line of household silverplate. The silver standard mark. The harp indicated the piece was made in Dublin. Flatware Tableware items that are flat.. Many of Mackie's hallmarks are extremely small, some measuring about half the diameter of the lead in a wood pencil. In 1731, the figure of Hibernia was added. This is generally not done today. Mr. Castner is a Registered Contractor for RTC, FDIC, US Marshalls Office, Attorney General, TASA, and has provided major appraisals for these organizations. "Idenitfying UK Silver Plate Mark on Goblets Post by Dannd Sun Feb 23, 2014 7:40 pm" Hallmarks are placed on different parts of silver pieces. Collectors look at, Q: I am looking for information on this chair. 4 The new owl silver matchsafe has the mark in Fig. Sometimes called the Sterling Mark, the lion passant, the mark for Made in England, first appeared on English silver and gold in 1544. Silver products sometimes may be marked 925, which means that 925 parts per thousand are pure silver. See original mark below. Marks on precious metals have been regulated by law since ancient times. or Diana Portrait with Number 1-4, Denmark Three Towers (82.6% or higher), European The old hallmarks were as unique as today's logos, and disputes often arose when one company copied another's stamp. And inside of rings and cuff bracelets. Pamela Wiggins is a highly regarded antique and collectible costume jewelry expert and appraiser. We use this to improve our products, services and user experience. Some authentic Victorian-era silver-plated pieces do bear applied discs with the manufacturers name. 16-18 REO is a silver wholesaler located in the US. Identify your Electroplated Nickel Silver Marks. metal frames, imitates stained glass. Pieces of silver with fake marks tend to be found on simply shaped objects easily cast as a single piece. Special commemorative hallmarks are created to celebrate major events. Once you have handled enough Wm Rogers Silver Co (1 - 40 of 506 results) Price ($) Shipping Revelation 1 Silverplate 1938 , Wm Rogers Mfg Co, Extra Plate by . The mark was first found on a group of new silver match safes with sports themes. Thus, nickel silver and EPNS items have a close resemblance to solid silver or sterling items but are weightier due to their lesser silver content. 14 & 15 New 1-inch dia. 2B Reproduction figural silver match safe, 2A, with traditional English hallmark which is now optional, above. 925. Lightweight mounts fit over and attach to both sides of the receiver to give balanced support for any scope. Wholesale price $5. 22 Fake silver plate badge, US Indian Police. In 1731, the figure of Hibernia was added. Unidentified mark silver-plate. COIN, DOLLAR, and STANDARD were usually American terms, but some Irish makers also used them. Main Menu~American; Modernist Silver Marks; Gorham Date Marks; Kirk Date Marks; Reed & Barton Dates . Numbers like 10.15, 112, or 11/12 were stamped on the silver to indicate the percentage of pure silver in the metal. Electroplating processes were invented in England in the 1830s and 1840s; this method is still used today. The most significant change has been dropping the mandatory use of the passant lion as a standard mark. In Birmingham, metalsmiths engineered their own version of what they called German silver.. tool. Alaska Silver A base metal The dating system was discontinued in 1830 when the silversmiths developed another system. 5) optional profile of the current king or queen. A hand indicates Antwerp, a spread eagle Germany or Russia. If you are unable to One is a simple JM inside a box (Figs. It has long been used to fashion serving pieces, decorative items, jewelry, and a host of other goods. At the current time, faked cast marks are more commonly found on new silver plate than silver. The 925 standard mark above is smaller than the diameter of the lead in the wooden pencil shown for comparison. The Germans initiated the earliest serious imitations of such white copper in roughly 1750. In your e-mail, please include as much of the following as possible. Examples include: When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The term 'hallmark' actually dates back to 1478, and was introduced purposely for silver hallmarks. Britannia Silver A silver alloy of high standard-usually 95.8%-not to be 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. 35. Near the clasp of necklaces and chains. These marks mean the same standard as US silver prior to 1870-or 90% silver: These marks mean the same as a content of 92.5% silver: These marks mean electroplated, developed in the US around the Civil War by William Rogers: EPNS Electroplate Several examples of new molded marks are shown next to the original stamped marks in Figs. silver you will have an idea of what the weight should be, based on past The lion passant is no longer required but may be used in addition to the numeric mark. 4301 Wendy Way Quick Makers' Marks. . 1890-1999, generally has four symbols and may have five. A well made mark, deeply and evenly stamped. But if a piece was made in England for sale at home it would require a fourth mark, a British assay mark. 19-21 This GJ-925-sterling mark (Fig. Their products are usually marked REO plus the copyright symbol, and the word sterling (see Figs. 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. 38, was used to make a mold to cast the reproduction in Fig. In fact the vast majority of mass produced silver reproductions today, whether made in Thailand, India, England, Europe or America, now include 925 in the mark. 2. The assay office mark identifies in which one of the Goldsmiths Halls the article was tested and marked. The item may also have some commemorative or duty marks. Further details in the EPNS/EPBM page It will also be better to sell to antique silver dealers. confused with Britannia Metal (pewter look). RING Silver will ring-similar to cut Many of these marks appear in areas where no logical normal wear would occur. Beginning in 1999, neither date marks nor the lion passant were required on silver made and sold in England. The pattern number appears on the left of the word Makers; the order number appears to the right (see white arrows). etc.). Fig. Almost all marks on almost all antique and collectible silver and silver plate, were applied with stamps. However, even those discs should be examined very carefully. Not very conclusive. Fig. we respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously. Right ~ 19th Cent. There were other previous assay offices. Silver plate woven basket - unidentified marks. Joined International Silver Company in 1898 Marks used until 1976 Marks:. hammering (similar to repousse). Larger marks with several lines or large symbols, could be struck by hand or a machine press. These can take the form of pictures, words, names, letters, or numbers. PHOTOS REQUIRED - marks + item. Log in; Register; Wishlist (0) My Cart (0) Total: 0.00. Birmingham Chester Dublin Edinburgh Exeter This mark was introduced in 1730, and is still in use today. Since 2015 visually identical UK Hallmarks are being struck in India and Italy by sub-offices of Birmingham & Sheffield Assay Offices respectively: The series of hallmarks described above are still in use in today. [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. It also involved a great deal of highly specialized equipment. This mark indicates the item's silver content. (Zolotnick), Sweden 3 Crowns in Cloverleaf or letter S within a Hexagon. They are very essential in antique silver appraisal as they provide the right information that help to determine the value and true prices of silver items. 2010 8:01 am. Main Menu~American; Modernist Silver Marks; Gorham Date Marks; Kirk Date Marks; Reed & Barton Dates . A small sampling that may help to identify the country of origin. Beginning on 1 December 1784, British law mandated that a, An additional British hallmark that is no longer used is the, This page was last edited on 2 February 2023, at 04:25. Many unmarked pieces of American silver were made by 1825. Cultivate your knowledge of metals with books in the WorthPoint Library. 13 Any mark applied by soldering a tab, disc or other shape is suspicious. Antique silver is valuable and commands high price. Many collectible items are made of silver-colored metal that can sometimes be confused with sterling silver, but which have little or no silver content in them. of dots to produce a rough surface. Go no further. The French have two standards for silver purity or fineness. WorthPoint is the largest resource online for identifying, researching and valuing antiques. The date 1622 is when the Atocha sank; Atocha pieces were made after 1990. Main Menu~American; Modernist Silver Marks; Gorham Date Marks . : 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 (484) 973-6008 Figs. 24 An ambitious forgery of a Tiffany mark. Post by ralphk Mon Mar 02, 2009 8:08 am. After the adoption of the sterling standard, pieces were marked with "STERLING", the number "925" or the notation "925/1000". Parcel Gilt Only part of article is treated with gilding. The term Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) refers to the coating of the base metal nickel silverwhich in itself contains no actual silverwith precious metal. International Silver Company records. Hallmarks can be applied in one of three ways. The forged Tiffany mark in Fig. But while most governments strictly monitor standard marks, very few regulate marks not related to the content of precious metals. I have attended many auctions in all parts of the country. Here are some common marks on silver or silverplate . In America, articles marked sterling must contain a minimum of 925 parts silver for every 1000 parts of material. Quick links. Schwenksville, PA 19473 Pieces with this mark can be exported from England to any country which has signed the same treaty. Scottish hallmarks have been regulated by statute since 1457 but the earliest known example dates only from 1556 to 1557. Thus, through the application of a thin outer layer of silver, nickel silver could henceforth bear an even closer resemblance to its pricier cousin. What are Nickel Silver, German Silver and Alpaca? A guide to resources for identifying hallmarks and understanding the process of assaying. Cloisonne Similar to champlev but use of wires soldiered to Fig. 7 also qualifies the piece for export to any of the nations that signed the 1976 convention. The marks on the bottom of a piece of silver can be an indication of the age, maker, and origin of the piece. The modern copyright symbol, , is almost always a sign of modern production. ( ABCD ) : the letters are inside an unique outline (of various shape) [ ABCD ] : the letters are inside a shield hand, tower, crown, etc. Guide to the Archive of Art and Design, Victoria & Albert Museum by Elizabeth Lomas. Forgeries attempting to copy genuinely old marks, are somewhat harder to detect. 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. By far the vast majority of qualifying items made in the US ca. experience. silver plate mark "W&Co" ON A COFFEE/WATER JUG. 1. Exact source thought to be Thailand, but that is not certain. Marks reading left to right: CME, maker's mark, identity unknown; scales, control mark; standard mark, 925; unknown mark. All Rights Reserved. The alloy it contains is also the reason it's very durable. Being able to identify hallmarks on silvers will help you to have a better understanding of what your antique is worth. Silver at that time was sometimes marked "COIN" or "PURE COIN", but can also be without a standard mark altogether. Typical pre-1975 British hallmark. If the plating is thick, the item may even test as sterling under traditional acid testing. 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. From this time, English silver was required to be at least 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. Locate the assay office.