How are silver hallmarks supposed to be struck?
Silver hallmarks are said to be struck because of the way they are applied. Markers use a simple hammer and punch that creates a very distinct and sharp image when done properly. However, striking a hallmark can lead to sharp edges and metal spurs, so marking is traditionally done before a piece is polished in preparation for sale.
What kind of Mark do you put on sterling silver?
If a piece was made in a foreign country for import into England, it would include a maker’s mark, control mark and standard mark. But if a piece was made in England for sale at home it would require a fourth mark, a British assay mark. These changes may sound confusing at first, but are of great benefit.
Where does the 925 mark on sterling silver come from?
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. With the 925 standard mark, a piece of silver can virtually be sold world wide with the same mark. The use of 925, however, does not preclude the use of sterling.
Where did Goldsmiths get their silver hallmarks from?
Meeting in Goldsmiths Hall, London, the marks they applied soon became known as hallmarks. Silver hallmarks were a later addition to the Goldsmiths duties, and at the time English silver was required to be 92.5% pure, with 7.5% made up of other metals.
Silver hallmarks are said to be struck because of the way they are applied. Markers use a simple hammer and punch that creates a very distinct and sharp image when done properly. However, striking a hallmark can lead to sharp edges and metal spurs, so marking is traditionally done before a piece is polished in preparation for sale.
Where do you find the marks on silver?
” Other articles and marks can be found in” Silver and Other Metals identification guide and in the Article on Marks, and enter “Silver” in the filter. A single mark usually indicates that the piece of silver was made in America, although there are some Irish and Scottish pieces with just the maker’s name.
What does the control mark on sterling silver mean?
A typical hallmark on silver made in England for either export or sale in England. The control mark, a set of scales, was adopted in 1976. The scales mark certifies the acceptance of a 1976 treaty in which nations agreed to recognize each others hallmarks.
Meeting in Goldsmiths Hall, London, the marks they applied soon became known as hallmarks. Silver hallmarks were a later addition to the Goldsmiths duties, and at the time English silver was required to be 92.5% pure, with 7.5% made up of other metals.