Silver hallmark identification app

Silver hallmark identification app. Thank you for your post and good luck! A silver hallmark anchor is a symbol that was used to indicate the purity of silver items in the 16th century. First mark used c. the silver markings guide to maker, town, assayer marks and hallmarks of antique and modern silver: English, American, Russian, Italian, French, German, Austrian, Mexican, Hanau silver, Silver plate, Electroplate silver, Old Sheffield Plate and much more una selezione fotografica di marchi e punzoni dell'argento d'epoca e moderno (anche con il punzone dell'argentiere) e altro ancora Britain's long use of the sterling standard has made the word "sterling" mean the pinnacle of quality, whether in metal or a person's character. Additionally, look for any engravings or markings that may indicate the age of the piece. Dutch silver makers marks consists of silversmith initials into a shaped contour, often accompanied by numbers or symbols. Once the marks have been located, they can be used to identify the maker, the year it was made, and the purity of the silver. The CoinTrust app. For example, the mark "925 This is the ultimate guide to recognize the marks that identify any piece of valuable metal (silver, gold etc). 875 or . Founded 1939, trading post, retailer of Navajo Silver. This silver qualifies as sterling, but it is slightly softer than sterling pieces marked 925 or simply sterling. It signifies the percentage of pure silver content in the item, often expressed as parts per thousand or as a millesimal fineness mark. To navigate the site, it is easiest to use the green menu bar at the top of the screen. Mar 20, 2018 · An essential tool for collectors, academics, dealers and students. 900, 925 As these examples confirm, images of the actual hallmarks make for accurate attributions, less confusion and fewer debates. J. Active 1879-1896, manufacturers of sterling and silverplate flatware. Sep 29, 2023 · Image recognition technology identifies objects. Coin silver hallmarks are the marks that were stamped onto silverware and other silver items during the 19th century. It indicates the year the item was made and the city where it was assayed. Sheffield 1959 hallmark. 2. 5% silver mixed with copper to give it strength. If an item of silver was hallmarked outside London, the town mark identifies at which office it was marked. The first step in using Irish silver hallmarks to identify and authenticate silver is to locate the marks. Born in England and trained as a watchmaker. If you want more in-depth details you should check out the app to idenitfy over 15000 marks. 😃 Jul 3, 2023 · Typically, jewelry hallmarks contain the following symbols: Type of Metal: Different metals have different symbols. Silverware with a hallmark can be traced back to its maker, and the lion is one of the most common marks found on silverware. With a bit of research and a reference book or online guide, you can easily identify English silver plate hallmarks To identify silver forks hallmarks, youll need to look closely at the piece and use a reference book or online guide. next page →. " This standard has been in place in Great Britain for centuries ‎This is the ultimate guide to recognize the marks that identify any piece of valuable metal (silver, gold etc). These numbers, often accompanied by a symbol or letter, provide a quick reference for determining the silver’s quality and value. They may well represent one of the earliest forms of consumer protection. Large manufacturer of sterling & costume jewelry. Founded in 2006 by Jonathan and Daniel Franks (of I. com. . Follow this link to learn HOW TO READ ENGLISH/BRITISH STERLING SILVER MARKS This is the combination of marks used to assay silver: Town mark, corresponding to the hallmark of the Assay Office Montreal, Canada. Lion passant guardant or Britannia or lion's head erased, certifying the silver quality. This is called ‘derde zilvergehalte’ in Dutch. ”. Although the initial app is free, you'll need to pay to unlock all the hallmarks. See more data with a free signup! Knowing how to read and interpret these hallmarks can help you make sure that you are getting an authentic piece of Russian silver. This can indicate that the piece is an antique. This mark is referred to as a “hallmark. ” Other articles and marks can be found in” Silver and Other Metals identification guide and in the Article The leopards head indicates that the silverware is made from sterling silver, the lion passant indicates the origin (England), the date letter indicates the year of manufacture, and the makers mark indicates the maker of the silverware. The letter at top indicates town, A = Vienna, year 1857. May 27, 2024. 95/mo Learn more Thousands of WORLDWIDE identification marks & hallmarks - COVERS ALL PERIODS and STYLES . Jul 7, 2019 · Is there an app to identify silver hallmarks? Miller’s Silver Marks app is the only product that will enable you to identify an unknown piece of silver from any country around the world – quickly and confidently. Rose & Sons Ltd. 1980), "letter and number" mark (c. 1780-1788. The date letter is usually the last part of the hallmark, and it is composed of a letter of the alphabet. How to Identify a Crown Silver Hallmark The easiest way to identify a crown silver hallmark is to look for Oct 24, 2023 · Decoding silver hallmarks may seem daunting, but it’s akin to learning a new language. 2 & 3 - Ordinances of 1928 & 1954 called for use of decimal standard marks (eg. The number is the number of registration of the maker. Makers' Marks. ). Since Mr. 950) • Korea Korean Silver Marks • Latvia 20th Cent. There is an in-app purchase to… Firstly, look for the country of origin. Note that coverage of Scottish provincial marks is far from Expert John Rogers of Chiswick Auctions explains what silver hallmarks are and how they are used. Silver marks anchor lion are typically found on the back or bottom of silver items. Used primarily in during the Meiji period (1868-1912) and for a short period after. Town mark, corresponding to the mark of the Assay Office that has verified the piece. The CoinTrust app is an app that detects counterfeit gold coins and silver coins. Silver hallmarks are a crucial part of identifying and authenticating silver pieces. Founded in 1887 as W. Upscale jewelers & retailers of sterling ware. Waite in 1860 as D. The app’s advanced algorithms then analyze the image and compare it to a vast database of known antiques. John York Savage. ‎This is the ultimate guide to recognize the marks that identify any piece of valuable metal (silver, gold etc). Those metals weighing less than the following amount will, in most cases, not carry a hallmark: Gold = less than 1 gram. Finally, look for any stamps or hallmarks that may indicate the Active 1884-c. Simply take a picture of the mark on the piece you are interested in, and the app will provide you with information about its origin, age, and quality. The marks are: Town mark, corresponding to the mark of the Assay Office that has verified the piece. They may be hard to spot, so you may need to look carefully. Here's a list of the most common silver purity marks: Sterling Silver, 92. · More than 60 countries and regions, on every continent · Powerful search feature · Record information on your silver pieces and projects, ready for export to catalogues · details country of origin and centre of assaying or making · listed by visual type and category 925-1000. 5% other metals. By familiarizing yourself with the various hallmarks, you can gain a better understanding of the history of your piece. g. Once you've identified the hallmarks, you can look up the date letters in a reference book or online to determine the year and month in which the item was assayed. Sheffield. Silver plating is the process of applying a thin layer of silver to another, inexpensive, metal, such as nickel or copper. In order to properly identify your antique silver pieces, you need to know how to read the hallmark on the item. 8 grams. LATEST. To identify the hallmark, you may need to use a magnifying glass. Town mark. 1794) Active c. 1818-1840. It can also include a few other pieces, such as a duty mark Check out the app ranking, mobile performance, ratings, features and reviews of top apps like Silver Hallmarks - Maker Marks. The hallmarking of British silver is based on a combination of marks that makes possible the identification of the origin and the age of each silver piece manufactured or traded in the UK. It may also include a symbol or the initials of the manufacturer. H Manchester & Co. Read more in our dedicated silver hallmarks guide here: http The purity mark, also known as a "standard mark," tells the buyer how much pure silver is in the jewelry. It is the logo of BIS which is a dot inside a triangle. Born August 4 1803 in Truro N. The letter is usually in a shield or a rectangle. in 1896. 916) plus initialed Maker's Mark. e. There are over 17000 images all conveniently catalogued in categories to make your research even easier. – 925 or . 5% silver purity. 813, year 1753. Chester. First, you'll need to identify the hallmarks on the item. If you want more in-depth details you should check out the app Silver Marks to idenitfy over 15000 marks. The site's main focus is the silver markings used on vintage and antique sterling and coin silver, for those of you interested in silverplate trademarks, we have now added a large section This is the ultimate guide to recognize the marks that identify any piece of valuable metal (silver, gold etc). By looking at all of these hallmarks, it is possible to determine the age, maker, and origin of the silverware. It take close inspection and knowledge of a few key features to reliably tell the difference. This is the combination of marks used to assay silver: Town mark, corresponding to the hallmark of the Assay Office which verified the piece. This can help you narrow down the type of silver you are looking at. Any ideas? Any ideas appreciated. Oct 7, 2023 · Explore this detailed guide to learn how to identify vintage jewelry hallmarks based on jewelry materials & brands and what different hallmarks mean! 2) AMERICAN STERLING SILVER MARKS. Hougart’s first edition, The Little Book of Marks on Southwestern Silver: Silversmiths, Designers, Guilds and Traders, he has incorporated images of hallmarks in his identification guides, making them valuable references. Knowing what to look for when it comes to English silver hallmarks lion can help you identify the age and origin of your silverware. Edinburgh. for ALL categories of antiques and collectibles at $12. It is an essential tool for collectors, academics, dealers and students. Welcome This project has been 18 years in the making and now documents over 12,000 silver marks on 1,200+ pages and subpages. 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. It is regularly updated as we find and photograph new examples of silver hallmarks and makers' marks. Alongside EAGLE and STERLING, the most frequently marks present on Mexican silver are HECHO EN MEXICO, MEXICO, TAXCO, PLATA, SILVER and fineness numbers as 0. 4. Britannia silver, 95. From the date it was made to the silversmith who crafted it, British silver makers marks can help you determine the origin and value of your Sep 7, 2023 · A hallmark 835 or a walking lion and the number 2: this means 83,5% silver and 16,5% copper or other metal. This guide will help you understand the different types of Russian silver hallmarks and how to identify them. 50. Also Pewter, Silverplate and Precious Metals at $14. Grade: The 3-digit number on the silver ornaments denotes its Grade, i. 1950, maker of handwrought sterling holloware and notable pieces of judaica. Jan 21, 2022 · Hallmarks - The app Hallmarks - Identify Antiques is a good option for identifying random hallmarks on silver and other pieces. In this case the identification of the mark is less simple but not too difficult. Step 1: Locate The Hallmarks. The hallmark will usually include a number, such as 800 or 833, which indicates the purity of the silver. There is an in-app purchase to… Identify a mark by shape. Kurt J. Absorbed by the Watrous Co. Manufacturing Jewelers, primarily gold. Vendor: Entrust Datacard. Two employees in 1894, twenty-six in 1898. Received the 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of North American Goldsmiths. Thanks for posting on r/Hallmarks! Please try to ensure that your post has a clear image of the hallmark as well as at least one photo of the full item. 925. 1928, silver and gold thimble manufacturers. *It is possible for the item to be stamped with just a number to indicate its purity (e. 925 means the metal is sterling silver. Users can simply take a photo of an antique item and upload it to the app. This will give you an approximate date This is the ultimate guide to recognize the marks that identify any piece of valuable metal (silver, gold etc). The date letter is the most important part of the British silver hallmark. 1922-d. Look for signs of wear and tear, as well as any discoloration or tarnish. Reference books and guides on topics like silver plate markings, silver hallmark identification, and sterling silver hallmarks can serve as your pirate’s library, providing invaluable information to help you decipher the cryptic codes etched into your treasures. The example mark reads, top to bottom: date mark (letter Feb 19, 2016 · This duty mark images was used during the reign of Queen Victoria, from 1838-1890. Active c. Based on 110 ratings, it has achieved a rating of 3. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact the mods. A - Silver guild marks used in some 35 of the larger towns and cities of the Netherlands from the 15th through 18th Centuries, this system remained in use until the time of the French occupation (1795-1813). 95/mo Learn more Jewelry & Silver Marks. Oct 20, 2010 · Hi crew, I can’t find this hallmark anywhere. com is the most extensive internet resource for research of Silver Marks, Hallmarks, Trademarks & Maker's Marks found on Antique and Vintage silver. Silver = less than 7. 8%, 958 - Britannia silver is the middle 1. "Very helpful app!" - Jay Bone "Amazing - This app has been incredibly useful in identifying silver hallmarks for my vintage jewelry busine… Items made of sterling silver are usually more expensive than those made of other metals, as they are more valuable and durable. These stamps indicate the year the item was made, where it was made, and who made it. The hallmarks are alphabetical. Most silver hallmarks will have the country of origin stamped or engraved on the item. Top ~ 1886 - 1922. 1749-d. HALLMARKS OF ENGLISH SILVER - MAKER'S MARK IDENTIFICATION. The metal is tested and marked at special offices, regulated by the government, known as assay offices. (b. Only British silver makers marks are a great way to identify the craftsmanship of silver pieces. To the naked eye, French silver plate often looks identical to French solid silver. Foreign Silver Hallmarks Identification: A Comprehensive Guide. Right ~ 19th Cent. This is usually a symbol, such as a lion, leopard, or crown, or a number, such as 925 or 999. Available in the App Store and Google Play. The first step in reading silver hallmarks is to locate the marks on your item. The assay office mark indicates the item’s origin, and the date letter reveals its creation year. The hallmarks on my cutlery. Understanding how to read silver hallmarks is an important Thanks for posting on r/Hallmarks! Please ensure that your post has a clear image of the hallmark as well as at least one photo of the full item. Also keep an eye out for a maker’s mark to show who produced it. 1980-present). Thanks, Geoff. In 1798 guilds were declared abolished but remained partially active until 1807. Price guides - Another app, Antique Price Guides, promises to give you a value for your antiques. Piece by piece, these elements form a story waiting to be unveiled. 1812-1850, silversmith, watch & clockmaker. Start by identifying the maker’s mark, followed by the standard mark denoting purity. For example, ‘Au’ is the symbol for gold, ‘Ag’ is for silver, and ‘Pt’ is for platinum. The app has been available since May 2012. Birmingham 1909 hallmark. Amos Page, a Canada silversmith. the firm Cohen & Charles was established in 1890 at 11 Thavies Inn, Holborn, London. The location of the marks varies from item to item, but there are some general rules. 2008) Active from c. By law, British sterling must be 925 parts silver to 75 parts other alloy metals, or 925/1000. Remember: only letter "A1" is unlocked by default. From this time, English silver was required to be at least 92. Reading Coin Silver Hallmarks. Oct 30, 2023 · Silver Hallmarks & other Identifiers – 3 Tips for Reading Hallmarks on Silver. The letter can be upper or lower case For the identification of silver marks by the BIS, you need to look for the following signs: BIS Mark: The most trusted indicator of silver purity is the BIS mark. Image credit: beadsandpieces. This indicates a lower percentage of silver and is no longer considered Feb 13, 2023 · Silver Hallmarks - Maker Marks falls under the category of Overall, developed by BigBalli Consulting llc. Primarily a retailer, subcontracted silversmith's work out, mainly to Bohle & Hendery. Digital Scale: The Treasure Hunter’s Balancing Act A small sampling that may help to identify the country of origin. Silver Hallmark Identification Chart Created Date: 4/26/2021 1:20:21 PM The #12345 refers to the corresponding number in " Meestertekens van Nederlandse Goud- en Zilvermeden 1814-1963" (Staatsuitgeverij 's-Gravenhage 1980). Birmingham. What app takes pictures and tells you what it is? When it comes to identifying silverware, English silver hallmarks are an invaluable tool. The alloy it contains is also the reason it’s very durable. In partnership with his brother Thomas for a brief period. Awarded. , Henry Thresher became a partner in 1884. Next, look for the purity mark. For example, the hallmark 800 may be However, there are other ways to identify genuine antique silver. Marks with letters are listed in alphabetical order. New Paltz, New York. It does this by cleverly using a bit of science. It's currently not in the top ranks. May 23, 2023 · It serves as a signature and allows for traceability and identification of the maker. His brothers John and Thomas were silversmiths. Thank you for your post and good luck! ‎This is the ultimate guide to recognize the marks that identify any piece of valuable metal (silver, gold etc). There is an in-app purchase to unlock all the other sections at once (letters Another way is to use a mobile app like Silver Marks. Use the links below to go to the section you want. 1788-d. Succeeded by Savage & Son. Mar 11, 2013 · French Silver Plate Identification. For example, the hallmarks on silver flatware are usually located on the back of the piece, on a flat edge. Without one of these marks, the item is most likely plated. Apr 9, 2018 · Smartphone apps for gold and silver investors are using innovative technologies. Albert Cohen & Charles Soloman - Cohen & Charles. The letter is used to identify the year the silver item was made. Quick Makers' Marks. Taught silversmithing for nearly 30 years at SUNY, New Paltz. In 1958 the business was bought by S. Thanks to the alloy, sterling silver is harder than fine silver but softer than many metals. One of the key features of antique identification apps is their use of image recognition technology. Now that we know that this piece was made in London between the years 1838 and 1890, we can look a chart of London date Silver hallmarks have been used in the UK for hundreds of years. Sep 19, 2023 · Silver hallmarks are important factors in identifying antique silver jewelry, flatware, and other items. Jan 2, 2024 · The term Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) refers to the coating of the base metal nickel silver—which in itself contains no actual silver—with precious metal. The silver standard mark. This indicates a 92. This is called ‘tweede zilvergehalte’ in Dutch. Download Hallmarks - Identify Antique and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. The most common hallmarks are the makers mark, the date letter, the assay mark, and the town mark. Jul 9, 2021 · The most common markings for sterling silver are fairly easy to decipher: – Sterling. The term 'hallmark' actually dates back to 1478, and was introduced purposely for silver hallmarks. Marks on these pieces include 925 or Sterling. These should include the maker's mark, the assay office mark, and the date letters. You may also see lower percentages of silver, such as 900 or 800. Also please ensure that you have read over and understand the rules. Nine silver hallmarks of different assay offices in the UK and Ireland, some of which have now closed. Franks Antique Silver), we are one of the largest internet forums dedicated to silver repair, hallmark research, antique silver identification, and restoration of silver objects. They are usually small and may be difficult to see. Lion passant guardant or Britannia or lion's head erased, certifiying the silver quality. Sterling silver (925): This is the standard for silver, identifying a silver item that is at least 92. Then click on the appropriate link below to go to the tables of date letters. These marks, which are usually stamped onto the underside of a piece, can tell you a lot about the item you own. 925. anchor for Birmingham, leopard's head for London, etc. Simons Brothers acquired their designs when the firm dissolved. 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. ‎Remember: only letter "A" is unlocked by default. B. Successor to Waite, Smith & Co. Austria-Hungary. We can use the hallmarks and assay marks on the bottom of thie Sterling Silver chocolate pot to determine where, when and by whom it was made. Learn more about silver forks hallmarks. If the item is old, the hallmark may be worn or faded. , makers of flatware & holloware, purchased by Boardman in 1985. HALLMARKS OF BRITISH SILVER MAKERS: ENGLAND - SCOTLAND - IRELAND - CHANNEL ISLANDS - COLONIES. It is WP which appears to be in a diamond shape in a heart. Usually, said precious metal, as the name suggests, is silver. Basically, the app records a sonic signal that comes from your gold/silver coin. 95/mo Learn more Ceramics Marks. Porcelain, Pottery, Chinaware, Figurines, Vases at $9. There are 13 potential purity markings, depending on the purity as well as the city of origin. 5% silver and 7. There is an in-app purchase to… Jun 29, 2023 · It is most often marked 950. Raleigh & Salisbury, North Carolina. C&C into a chamfered rectangle. First mark was a star, the thimble in its interior was added later. The 13 indicates silver purity, 13/16 lothig or . These hallmarks can help you identify the maker of the piece, its age, and its origin. Unger, son of Eugene Unger of the Unger Brothers. This is known as the "sterling standard. Reading Silver Hallmarks. This guide has explained the basics of gold and silver hallmarks, so you can confidently identify and authenticate any item. The crown silver hallmark also indicates the place of origin of the item, which can be useful for collectors. Please report errors and potential updates via my Contact form. 5%, 925 - Sterling silver is the industry standard for a good reason, boasting beauty and affordability. Silver is often blended with other metals for increased strength. Hallmarks are stamps or engravings placed on silver items by the manufacturer, indicating the purity of the silver, the country of origin, and the makers mark. If the trade mark contains only alphabet letters (usually name's initials) the search of information requests a previous step: to find the name of the maker. Succeeded by Hickok - Matthews Co. The Silver Marks Mobile App Silver Marks is a mobile app that makes it easy to identify silver plate marks on your silverware. Purity of Metal: The purity of the metal is typically represented in parts per thousand. There is an in-app purchase to unlock all the other sections at once (letters English silver plate hallmarks are an invaluable tool for identifying the age, origin, and maker of an item. To find Kovels’ silver hallmarks’ database, go to “Look for your mark. Listed in 1864 Nova Scotia Directory. The best known of these are:- Chester a sword between three wheatsheaves, Birmingham a ship’s anchor, Sheffield a crown, Edinburgh a three towered castle, Glasgow a tree with a fish, a bird and a bell, and Dublin a seated figure of Hibernia. 1865) Active c. Originally founded by Daniel B. Cocks & Bettridge. Thus, nickel silver and EPNS items have a close resemblance to solid silver or sterling items but are weightier due to These silver hallmarks indicate the purity of the precious metal and often identify the date and location where the item was originally stamped or 'assayed'. Vetted by an international team of experts, and backed by the authority of the Miller’s brand, World Silver Marks is the only The marks on the bottom of a piece of silver can be an indication of the age, maker, and origin of the piece. Son of David Page and Jane Fraser Page, natives of Haverhill, Massachussetts. Some marks look like a circle, square, bird or animal shape, etc. Use the guide below to discover what size of each metal is exempt from compulsory hallmarking. A capital B, the next I can’t make sense of but it is like an asterisk, 3 vertical lines with 1 horizontal & lastly RD is a diamond shape. until 1886. Glasgow. , its fineness or purity. If you are unable to identify the assay office from one of the town marks below you may have a piece of imported silver. TOP 2. May 25, 2012 · This is the ultimate guide to recognize the marks that identify any piece of valuable metal (silver, gold etc) GearAdvice; App Articles Collections TV Collections Apps TV Apps. Matzdorf. Found in charity. 5 grams. There is an in-app purchase to… The vast majority of English, Scottish and Irish silver produced in the last 500 years is stamped with either four or five symbols, known as hallmarks. 1920 - 1988, the second was introduced in the mid-20s. Birmingham 1809 hallmark. Makers' Marks & Hallmarks on British & Irish Silver. Follow this link to learn HOW TO READ ENGLISH/BRITISH STERLING SILVER MARKS. 800 silver hallmarks are typically small stamps that are placed on the item. ‎Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots and learn more about Hallmarks - Identify Antique. S. From left to right: early Mexican mark (before 1948), eagle mark (1948-c. Waite & Co. Albert Wakefield. Platinum = less than 0. Feb 24, 2024 · May 27, 2024. Fineness Mark: Also known as the standard mark, this hallmark indicates the purity of the silver. The last update of the app was on February 13, 2023. 5% an alloy of copper or nickel. A hallmark 800 and/or a laying lion and the number 3: this means 80% silver and 20% copper or other metal. Hallmark Identification [Date Letters] Scottish Provincial Marks Identification. If the hallmark is unclear then you can ‎This is the ultimate guide to recognize the marks that identify any piece of valuable metal (silver, gold etc). 800,900,925). The marks are usually found on the underside of the item, but they can also be found on the sides or the top. Dublin. Oct 26, 2022 · One of the primary purposes of Spanish silver hallmarks is to identify the silver’s purity. The #S123 refers to Schoonhoven makers active after 1940. May 5, 2020 · 1. Users Product number: 571920-003. This mark indicates the item’s silver content. 1 - Character mark "jungin" meaning "pure silver". Left ~ 18th Cent. Common purity levels include 925, 900, and 800, which indicate the percentage of pure silver content in the alloy. 92 out of 5 stars. shop. It is one of the oldest silver hallmarks and is still used today to indicate the fineness of silver items. Silver forks hallmarks can be found on antique and vintage silverware, as well as modern pieces. Separate packages for card/report design and production give you the choice to combine elements of these capabilities at a central location or manage them To date your silver from its hallmark first identify the assay office (e. The modular platform of IDCentre Silver identification software lets you configure the ideal solution for your ID card program. C. Oct 14, 2008 · The largest internet forum dedicated to silver repair, hallmark research, antique silver identification, and restoration of silver objects. founded by Raymond D. There is an inapp purchase to unlock all the other sections at once (letters, objects, aniamls, shapes etc). Knowing how to read these hallmarks is an important skill for anyone who wants to buy or sell gold and silver jewelry. Sterling silver is 92. The anchor symbol is usually accompanied by a number, which indicates the percentage of silver used in the item. Maker's mark, identifying the silversmith presenting the piece to the assay office (usually the initials of Christian name and surname of the silversmith) Date letter, in The hallmarking of British sterling silver is based on a combination of marks that makes possible the identification of origin and age of each piece. Silver purity in thousandths (. TRADEMARKS CONTAINING ONLY ALPHABET LETTERS. re rs fg rj la pw bt xs aw hy