What does a lion 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.
What does an Anchor and lion mean on silver?
If you find a lion on your piece, you’ll immediately know that it’s come from Britain. Symbols for where it was made include an anchor for Birmingham and a crown for Sheffield (in 1975, it changed to a rose).
What does an Anchor mean on a hallmark?
This symbol shows which Assay Office tested and marked the item. The Anchor is the symbol of Assay Office Birmingham .
What does a lion mean on gold?
The lion passant was the fineness mark used on 22 carat gold from 1544 until 1844. The problem here is the year because the 18 carat standard was introduced in 1798 and it was marked with a crown and the number 18. After 1844 both standards were marked with a crown and either the number 22 or 18.
What is the marking for silver?
925
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.
What does the letter a mean on silver?
A = Standard Quality = 24 grams on 12 pieces = 2 grams per table spoon or table fork. B1 = Quality code found in a Walker & Hall spoon = meaning unknown. B = Third Quality = 16 grams on 12 pieces = 1 1/3 grams per table spoon or table fork.
Can you test silver with bleach?
Bleach Test. Simply put a drop of bleach on your item. Silver tarnishes extremely quickly when exposed to a powerful oxidizing agent such as common bleach. Watch for tarnishing or no reaction.