Sheffield Silver Knives Set, 24 Pieces
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- 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.
Visually similar items
Six Victorian silver dinner forks, mark of Elizabeth & John Eaton, London, 1859. Fiddle pattern, hallmarked (6). Approx. Weight of 450 grams
William Eley & William Fearn, London, c. 1820 twelve silver dinner forks hallmarked. Total weight of 1019 grams
A sterling silver King's pattern cutlery suite with settings for eight by Whitehill Silver & Plate Co, Sheffield 1982, comprising table knives, table forks, soup spoons, entree knives, entree forks and dessert spoons, 2,190 grams excluding knives
A collection of sterling silver cutlery comprising four George III Hanover pattern table spoons by John Innocent, London 1762, six fancy Fiddle pattern tea spoons by George Adams, London 1870, ten various pieces of cutlery and seven Austrian silver teaspoo