Silver

How to Read UK Silver Hallmarks

29 January 2025

Kier Alexander

To read a modern UK silver hallmark, identify three compulsory marks: the sponsor’s mark, the millesimal fineness mark, such as 925 for sterling silver, and the Assay Office mark. A date letter, traditional silver symbol, duty mark or commemorative mark may also appear, but these are not present in every hallmark.

For over seven centuries, hallmarks have offered collectors and silversmiths a unique form of authentication; an unbroken record of the who, what, where and when behind a silver object’s creation, shares Kier Alexander, silver specialist.

A Brief History of Hallmarking in Britain

British hallmarking has roots in

Silver has long been prized for its intrinsic value and beauty, and was traditionally used as a form of currency. However, its naturally soft composition meant it needed to be strengthened for practical use. In 1158, King Henry II formalised an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper as the official standard marking the introduction of what we now know as Sterling Silver.

By 1238, Henry III mandated that all silver items match this ‘sterling’ quality, ensuring that no silverware could be “worse than the king’s money.” The Mayor of London was instructed to appoint six trusted goldsmiths to monitor quality, a decision that led to the birth of the British hallmarking system, later formalised in 1300. Guilds were set up as a collective of similar craftsmen and their halls were where the pieces were marked, now known as Assay offices.

The maker’s mark followed in 1363. In 1478, the Goldsmiths’ Company became responsible for a permanent assay operation at Goldsmiths’ Hall and introduced the annual date letter. The practice of marking precious metal at the Hall is the probable origin of the word “hallmark.”

The word Assay comes from the Old French verb essai, to trial or try, and relates to the assessment of the purity of silver, after which it receives an assay mark to verify the standard.

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What Is a Hallmark?

A hallmark is a group of symbols punched into the surface of a silver item that collectively tells its story. Some marks are mandatory, while others are optional or commemorative. Together, they guarantee the silver content, identify the maker, record the year, and declare the place of assay. There is no other trade or material with such rigorous built-in tracking and accountability.

Key Components of a Silver Hallmark

The Standard Mark

Arguably the most important mark, the standard mark confirms the purity of the silver. Most commonly, this will indicate Sterling Silver (92.5% silver content).

In England, this is represented by the lion passant.
In Scotland, the lion rampant or the thistle is used.
In Ireland, the mark is a crowned harp.

Higher standards also exist:

Britannia Silver (95.8%) is shown with a seated Britannia figure.
Fine Silver (99.9%) is rarely used due to its softness.

The Date Letter

Introduced in London in 1478, the date letter was originally a method of identifying the assayer responsible each year. It is a single letter, changing annually (often in a different font or punch shape) and follows a 20–26-year cycle.

Different assay offices change their date letters at different times - Birmingham traditionally did so in July. In 2025, a new cycle begins again with the letter A.

Maker’s Mark / Sponsor’s Mark

The maker’s mark identifies the individual or company responsible for submitting the item for assay. This is often the silversmith but can also be a retailer, such as Mappin & Webb. Marks typically consist of initials, like E.C. for Ebenezer Coker, though some are pictorial such as the duck mark used by John Duck in the 17th century, reflecting the limited literacy of the period.

Notably, famous names like Paul Storr often headed large workshops employing a range of skilled hands. His hallmark does not always mean the item was made solely by him, but rather under his direction, often in collaboration with firms like Hunt & Roskell or Storr & Mortimer.

The Assay Office Mark

Today, there are four UK Assay Offices: London, Birmingham, Sheffield and Edinburgh, with Dublin operating separately in Ireland. Each has its own unique town mark:

London: Leopard's head
Edinburgh: Castle
Birmingham: Anchor
Sheffield: Rose
Dublin: Hibernia or crowned harp

These marks reveal where the item was officially tested and hallmarked.

Additional & Optional Hallmarks

Journeymen Marks

Occasionally found near the maker’s mark, journeymen marks identify craftsmen working under master silversmiths but not yet full guild members. These marks are not compulsory and are the subject of ongoing research.

Duty Marks (1784 - 1890)

To denote tax paid on silver between 1784 and 1890, a duty mark was introduced. Typically a monarch’s head, this mark indicated the required levy had been settled.

Commemorative Marks

Special events often bring celebratory marks. These include royal jubilees, coronations, and national milestones. Recent examples include the 1911 and 1953 Coronation marks, the Millennium mark (2000) and the Platinum Jubilee mark (2022).

Hallmarks as Historical Evidence

Each mark adds a layer of narrative, making hallmarking not just a regulatory function but a fascinating tool for silver collectors, historians, and valuers alike. From verifying stylistic elements to uncovering restorations, repurposing or additions, hallmarks are often the first step in determining a silver item’s true story.

Whether you're buying or selling antique or contemporary silver, understanding how to read hallmarks is key to establishing authenticity, provenance and value. Have any questions? Please contact our silver department who can provide complimentary advice and valuations of any contemporary silver you may wish to sell at auction.

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About the Author

Specialist

Kier Alexander

Silver Specialist

kier.alexander@lyonandturnbull.com

0131 557 8844

Frequently Asked Questions

The number 925 means the metal contains at least 925 parts silver per thousand and therefore meets the sterling standard. On a modern UK item above the exemption weight, 925 should form part of a complete hallmark with sponsor and Assay Office marks.

Silver items sold and described as silver in the UK generally require a legally recognised hallmark when they weigh more than 7.78g. Exemptions apply to certain lightweight, historic or otherwise qualifying articles.

A date letter can identify the year an item was hallmarked, but date letters have been optional since 1999. The hallmarking date may also differ from the exact date the object was completed or sold.

The leopard’s head represents London, the anchor Birmingham, the rose Sheffield and the castle Edinburgh. These symbols identify where an object was independently tested and hallmarked.

Record the initials, surrounding shape and Assay Office, then compare them with the relevant office’s maker or sponsor-mark register. Similar initials can belong to different sponsors, so the complete hallmark and object date must be considered.

Terms such as EPNS or EP indicate electroplate rather than solid silver. Silver plate does not carry a sterling fineness hallmark such as a complete UK 925 hallmark.