The Journal
Notes on silver & its marks
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Are old silver spoons worth money? How to tell what you have
Some old silver spoons are worth real money; most are worth only scrap weight. Sterling pieces with clear hallmarks and rare patterns sell for the most.
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Antique identifier app reviews: what collectors really think
Antique identifier app reviews are mostly positive: AI photo apps read silver hallmarks in seconds, though value estimates still need a second look.
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German silver hallmarks: the crown, moon, and 800 standard
German silver hallmarks center on the crown and crescent moon, national marks used since 1888, almost always paired with an 800 fineness number.
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French silver hallmarks: the Minerva head and purity marks explained
The Minerva head is France’s official silver purity mark, used since 1838. A numeral 1 means .950 silver; a numeral 2 means .800.
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Gorham silver marks: the lion, anchor, G, and date symbols explained
The lion, anchor, and G on Gorham silver stand for sterling quality, the Rhode Island anchor, and the Gorham name. Date symbols pinpoint the exact year.
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Best app to identify silver hallmarks in 2026: apps compared
The best app to identify silver hallmarks in 2026 is Antique Silver Hallmarks: Appraise. It reads town, date, and maker marks from a single photo, free.
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What Does the Lion Hallmark Mean on Silver? The Complete Guide
Last reviewed: June 2025 | Written by the editorial team at AntiqueSilverHallmarks.com, specialists in British silver hallmarking history and identification The lion hallmark on silver is the single…
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Victorian Silver Hallmarks Identification: The Complete UK Guide (1837–1901)
Victorian silver hallmarks identification is the foundation skill every serious collector needs before spending a penny at auction, estate sales, or antique markets. Between 1837 and 1901, British…
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UK Silver Hallmarks: The Complete Identification Guide
UK silver hallmarks represent one of the oldest and most sophisticated consumer protection systems in the world, with an unbroken tradition stretching back to 1300 AD. Whether you…
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Sterling Silver vs Silver Plated: The Complete Identification Guide (2026)
By Margaret Holsworth, Accredited Antique Silver Specialist | Last Updated: January 2026Margaret holds 22 years of field experience evaluating silverware at auction houses, estate sales, and private collections…
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Sterling Silver Marks Identification: The Complete 2026 Guide
Sterling silver marks identification separates genuine antique pieces from silver plate, confirms metal purity, and connects an object to its maker and date of manufacture. Whether you’re unpacking…
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Sterling Silver Markings: The Complete Identification Guide (2026)
Sterling silver markings are the single most reliable way to confirm whether a piece of silver is genuine, who made it, where it was assayed, and when it…