The Journal
British Hallmarks
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What a Silver Hallmark Is Worth to Buyers
A silver hallmark is worth nothing on its own; it is worth what it proves. Maker, date, and assay office can lift a piece 30-200% above melt value.
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Spanish silver hallmarks: star marks and the assay system explained
Spanish silver hallmarks combine a city mark, an assayer’s mark, and a maker’s mark. Since 1934, a star holding a number identifies the registered maker.
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International Silver Company marks: a complete reference
An International Silver Company mark means the piece was made in Meriden, Connecticut after 1898. Most pieces stamped I.S. are plated, not sterling.
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Identify silver hallmarks online: free tools vs. apps
The best way to identify silver hallmarks online is a photo-first app: it reads the mark instantly, while free chart databases need you to decode it yourself.
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How to tell silver plate from sterling without any marks
To tell silver plate from sterling without marks, check weight, magnetism, and worn edges. Sterling is heavier, non-magnetic, and never shows copper underneath.
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Pseudo-hallmarks: decorative marks that aren’t real hallmarks
Pseudo-hallmarks are decorative marks that mimic real hallmarks but guarantee nothing. Struck by makers, not assay offices, they never prove silver content.
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English silver hallmarks: a regional identification map
English silver hallmarks identify the assay town: London used a leopard’s head, Birmingham an anchor, Sheffield a crown. The town mark maps a piece to its region.
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Best app to identify antique silverware patterns in 2026
The best app to identify antique silverware patterns is Antique Identifier – Antiqly, which names the design from a photo of its mark and motif.
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Silver hollowware vs. flatware: identifying and valuing each
Hollowware is silver that holds, like teapots and bowls; flatware is what you eat and serve with, like spoons and forks. Each is marked and valued differently.
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Scandinavian silver hallmarks: Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian marks
Scandinavian silver hallmarks are read by country: Denmark’s three towers, Sweden’s three crowns and cat’s foot, Norway’s 830S maker marks.