26 November 2024
Kier Alexander
Hallmarks are a key part of understanding and authenticating silver, offering insight into a piece’s origin, purity, and maker. For collectors, makers, and buyers alike, recognising and interpreting modern hallmarks remains as important today as ever.
Below, our silver specialist Kier Alexander shares how to understand and identify hallmarks in contemporary silver.
A hallmark is a legally applied set of marks stamped onto silver (and other precious metals) to verify its metal content and origin. In the UK, hallmarking is overseen by the Assay Offices of London, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Sheffield. Every piece of silver weighing over 7.78 grams must be hallmarked to confirm its purity.
A full hallmark typically consists of:
Contemporary pieces may also carry commemorative marks or optional design features added by the maker.
While historic silver attracts attention for its age and provenance, contemporary silver is increasingly sought after by collectors who value craftsmanship, innovation, and artistic design. For these modern works, the hallmark provides reassurance of authenticity and quality, particularly where aesthetic forms might challenge traditional notions of function or decoration.
Contemporary makers registered with an assay office often design personalised maker’s marks, and these can become identifying features in their own right, essential for cataloguing and resale at auction.
For buyers and sellers alike, hallmarks offer essential information that supports valuation, especially in the secondary market. At Lyon & Turnbull, our silver specialists examine hallmarking carefully to help authenticate works and highlight notable makers in our Silver, Modern British, and Contemporary Craft auctions.
As interest grows in post-war and contemporary silver, understanding hallmarks becomes a valuable tool whether you’re acquiring your first piece or building an established collection.
Australian 1931- 2018
Scottish
Scottish
Scottish 1955 - 2020
If you own a piece of contemporary silver and would like to learn more about its hallmark or potential value at auction, our specialists would be delighted to assist. Contact our silver department or submit images online for a free, no-obligation valuation.
