The Journal
Notes on silver & its marks
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Wallace sterling silver marks and pattern identification guide
Wallace sterling silver is identified by the WALLACE STERLING maker’s mark and a named pattern such as Grande Baroque, Sir Christopher, or Rose Point.
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The leopard’s head hallmark: London’s town mark through the centuries
The leopard’s head is the town mark of London’s assay office, used since 1300 to show where silver was tested — crowned until 1821, uncrowned ever since.
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Curio Antique Identifier review: cost, accuracy, and alternatives
Curio Antique Identifier is a photo-first app that dates and values antiques in seconds. It costs around $4.99 weekly after a short free trial.
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Silver date marks vs. date letters: what’s the difference?
A date letter is one specific hallmark: a single stamped letter giving the exact year. A date mark is the looser umbrella term for any mark that dates…
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Where are hallmarks located on silver? A piece-by-piece guide
Silver hallmarks are usually located on the underside or back of a piece — near the base on holloware and on the stem of flatware, grouped in one…
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Sterling silver flatware value: what sets and patterns sell for
Sterling silver flatware value ranges from about $25 per piece to over $5,000 for a full set, driven by pattern, weight, maker, and completeness.
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Dutch silver hallmarks: the lion, sword, and date letters explained
Dutch silver hallmarks combine a rampant lion for standard, a sword for .835 silver, and an annual date letter that pins the exact year.
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WorthPoint vs a silver identifier app: which values silver better?
WorthPoint values silver best for rare, signed pieces with sold-price comps. A silver identifier app wins for fast hallmark reading and everyday estimates.
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Tiffany & Co. sterling marks: dating and authentication
Genuine Tiffany & Co. sterling reads “TIFFANY & CO.”, “STERLING”, and “925-1000”. The wording and order-number letter date and authenticate the piece.
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835 silver: purity, origin, and what your pieces are worth
The 835 silver mark means 83.5% pure silver, a Continental European standard. It confirms solid silver, just below sterling’s 92.5%.
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The crown mark on silver: Sheffield, London, and beyond
The crown on silver is most often Sheffield’s town mark, used from 1773 to 1974. After 1975, a Tudor rose replaced it as Sheffield’s symbol.
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Does Google Lens work for silver hallmarks? An honest test
Google Lens does not reliably identify silver hallmarks. It treats them as generic text or shopping results, missing assay, date, and maker context.