Use these charts to compare a date letter found beside a Chester assay mark. The Chester Assay Office closed in 1962, so the historical sequence ends in 1961.

How to use the charts: first confirm the Chester assay-office mark, then compare the letter, its uppercase or lowercase form, and the surrounding shield. A matching letter alone is not enough.

Jump to: 1701–1817 · 1818–1900 · 1901–1961

Chester date letters, 1701–1817

The first chart covers the eighteenth century and the opening years of the nineteenth century. Compare both the letterform and the shape of the punch.

Chester silver date letters 1701–1817 hallmark chart

Chester date letters, 1818–1900

This period contains several alphabet cycles. Pay close attention to changes in typeface, letter case and shield outline.

Chester silver date letters 1818–1900 hallmark chart

Chester date letters, 1901–1961

The final chart covers the twentieth-century sequence up to 1961, shortly before the assay office closed.

Chester silver date letters 1901–1961 hallmark chart

Important: confirm your reading against the complete hallmark group, including the assay-office, fineness and sponsor or maker’s marks.

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