What is the hallmark for Chester silver?
What is the hallmark for Chester silver?
Most British and Irish silver carry a number of stamps indicating not just the standard or purity mark but also the initials of the maker, a date letter and the place of assay. Chester’s mark is three wheat sheaves and a sword.
When did Chester stop hallmarking silver?
1962
Chester was granted an official Assay Office by an Act of Parliament in 1700. Its marks were similar to those of London hallmarked silver and the sequence of date letters followed in alphabetical order. The Chester assay office closed down in 1962.
How do you date sterling silver?
Because Sterling Silver is 92.5% silver, the common purity mark used today is “925.” Most vintage Sterling Silver pieces have the older marks: “STERLING,” “STER,” or “STG.” Some modern jewelry today will use “STERLING” either with “925” or without it, usually in conjunction with the maker’s mark.
What do the symbols on silver mean?
A silver object that is to be sold commercially is, in most countries, stamped with one or more silver hallmarks indicating the purity of the silver, the mark of the manufacturer or silversmith, and other (optional) markings to indicate date of manufacture and additional information about the piece.
What does 3 crowns mean on silver?
Salad sets in this style are most often silver plate. If the salad set bears a three crown mark that looks like this then it is solid silver of at least 830 fineness.
What does a lion hallmark mean on silver?
A stamp indicating the purity of the silver is called the assayer’s mark. The mark for silver meeting the sterling standard of purity is the Lion Passant, but there have been other variations over the years, most notably the mark indicating Britannia purity. The purity mark for Irish silver is the harp crowned.
What does WN mean on silver?
William Neale or William Neale & Sons, Chester 1903 hallmark. Birmingham 1911 hallmark.
What are the symbols on sterling silver?
Sterling silver (925): This is the standard for silver, identifying a silver item that is at least 92.5% silver mixed with copper to give it strength. Marks on these pieces include 925 or Sterling. Any mark indicating a higher silver content, such as 950, would also qualify as sterling.
Is silver plated good quality?
Overall, silver plated jewelry is of fairly good quality for the price that you’ll pay for it, but if you’re looking for something that’ll last you years – you should opt for an actual silver piece instead.
How are the Marks organized in Chester hallmarks?
Chester Maker’s Marks Menu This page of Chester Maker’s Marks is organized alphabetically by the first letter in the mark. This is an open ended project, new marks are continually added.
When did Chester silver start using import marks?
Chester Import Marks on Foreign Made Silver • 1867 – Present. The “F” was used, 1867 – 1904, in conjunction with a full set of Chester hallmarks. The second mark was used from 1904 with numeric standard mark, date letter and sponsor’s mark. Silver Research.
How to date a hallmark on British silver?
Hallmarks on British & Irish Silver. To date your silver from its hallmark first identify the assay office (e.g. anchor for Birmingham, leopard’s head for London, etc.). Then click on the appropriate link below to go to the tables of date letters. If you are unable to identify the assay office from one of the town marks below you may have…
How much is antique Chester silver for sale?
Choose from 88 Antique Chester Silver For Sale – priced from £100 to £3,200. CHESTER ANTIQUE STERLING SILVER MENU/PLACE CARD HOLDERS