Hallmarks can reveal where and when a piece of silver was assayed, its fineness, and who submitted it for testing. Start with the beginner’s guide or choose an assay city below.
Important: never identify or date an object from a date letter alone. Compare the letter, its case and shield with the assay-office, fineness and sponsor or maker’s marks.
New to silver hallmarks?
Choose an assay city
Chester1701–1961 Three chronological charts for the historic Chester Assay Office. |
Birmingham1773–2001 Compare changing date-letter typefaces, cases and shields. |
Dublin1700–1920 Explore the date-letter sequence used for Irish silver assayed in Dublin. |
London1558–2001 Four charts covering more than four centuries of London date letters. |
Sheffield1773–2001 Compare Sheffield date letters from the office’s foundation through the modern system. |
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Looking at porcelain rather than silver? Visit the Porcelain & Ceramic Marks Guide.