Hallmarked Silver Soup Ladle, London 1892, Francis Higgins III

• Hallmarks - A mark stamped on articles of precious metals in Britain, since the 14th century, certifying their purity. It derives its name from the Guild Hall of the Goldsmiths' Company, who recieved its Charter in 1327 giving it the power to assay (test the purity) and mark articles of gold and silver.
  
  The hallmark will consist of several marks, including the:
  
  - silver standard mark, indicating the purity of the metal. Sterling silver is .925 pure silver.
  
  - the city mark indicating the city in which it was assayed eg London, Birmingham, York etc.
  
  - the date mark, usually a letter of the alphabet in a particular font and case,
  
  - a duty mark, indicating whether duty had been paid to the crown, and only in use from 1784 to 1890
  
  The piece may include an additional mark, the maker's mark, although not forming part of the hallmark, will be located in the vicinity of the hallmarks.
  
  Sometimes silver plated items will bear faux hallmarks, often confusing those not familiar with silver markings.
• Albany Pattern - The Albany pattern is a design of sterling silver cutlery (silverware) that was popular in the 19th century. It is characterized by a simple, elegant design with a plain handle and a pointed tip. The pattern is named after Albany, New York, where it was first produced by the firm of Rogers, Smith & Co. in the 1850s. The Albany pattern is considered a classic design and is still popular today. It is typically used for formal occasions and is often paired with fine china and crystal.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• ladles, soup - silver items 233
• silver cutlery / flatware, patterns - Albany pattern 6