All About Antiques

Authentic American silver can be identified by locating specific maker’s trademarks (like Gorham’s lion-anchor-G or Tiffany & Co.’s strict block lettering) and verifying the metal purity stamp. Unlike British silver, which uses a date letter system, American pieces typically feature the word STERLING or the number 925 (for 92.5% purity) stamped directly on the base…

British silver hallmarks follow a strict four-mark system: the lion passant for sterling purity, the assay office mark identifying the testing city, the date letter confirming the year of hallmarking, and the maker’s mark naming the silversmith. A piece hallmarked in Birmingham carries an anchor; London uses a leopard’s head. Reading all four marks together…

925 on silver means sterling: 92.5% pure silver. See what S925 and 925 AG mean, what 925 is worth per gram, and whether it can get wet or turn green.

Silver hallmarks explained: how to read and decode purity marks, maker’s marks, date letters, and town marks on any piece.

How to identify antique silver, step by step: hallmarks, maker’s marks, construction clues, and dating. A complete beginner’s guide.