Focus on Antique Silver
How to Care for Your Silver

English Silver Hallmarks

by Charles Cook

Of all of the subjects within collecting antique silver, none can be more daunting than learning and understanding the hallmark system.

This will be a basic overview of how the hallmark system works and some history about the system and then we will expand on this further in future articles.

The English hallmark system is a system of identifying, taxing and controlling silver production. While the hallmarking system can be traced to the early 1200’s, the system did not really become standardized as we know it today until 1702. We will confine our review to the antique system which was used from 1784 until 1837 and its major components. It is interesting to note, that it is still used today, albeit in a modified form.

When attempting to establish the authenticity of any piece of antique English silver, it is essential that the marks be intact and that they are verifiable. Just so you are aware, it is not uncommon to find authentic pieces, where the marks have been rubbed through years of diligent polishing. While the piece may still be beautiful, this does greatly reduce its value.

The Basics

Any piece of antique English silver made between the years of 1784 and 1837 should have the following marks:

Makers Mark- This is the mark of the maker and identifies that this piece was made in the workshop of this maker. In some cases it may have been completely produced from start to finish by this maker, or in many cases it was produced in the workshop and overseen by the maker, and may have been finished by the primary maker. Since many makers produced multiple pieces, this is not unusual and it does not reduce the value. However, as with any collectable, the rarer the item and the rarer the maker the more valuable.

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