How to identify Spanish Silver

The Spanish silversmiths have made beautiful jewellery, vases, dishes and trinket boxes over the course of many centuries. The historical, cultural and fiscal value of these crafted Silver objects makes them a particular find for the Silver collector.

Verifying the authenticity is the first step in discovering the potential of the piece you have. You will need a Guide to Spanish silversmith markings to start identifying Spanish Silver

1. Examine the marking for clear letters indicating the name of the silversmith. Rey Calvo of La Coruna in the late 1800s had a clear marking with capital, bold letters. His first name was on top of his last name, creating two lines. Juan Sanguino from Jerez de los Caballeros in the late 1700s wrote his marking as SANGINO, only with the first N facing backwards.

2. Look for numbers within the hallmark. Pedro Oliveros from 19th century Llerena had a marking with two lines. The upper line read PDY and the lower line read 017B. Also from Llerena, Alonso Perez Noble from the early 1600s wrote his marking as ASP3.

3. Determine the origin of the silver piece from distinctive characteristics. The Navarra region utilized the sea for inspiration when creating their markings. Many of the pieces from Navarra contain a starfish design or palm tree depiction. In Valencia, crowns were the common pictorial image placed within a hallmark.

4. Recognize the era by simple common attributes for that time period. During the 16th century, many silversmiths used shield-like designs to inscribe their initials or a meaningful number. They might have also created a towering design that resembled a structure of significance. Over the next 200 years, most silver craftsmen placed a loose circle around their last name, sometimes with a number. In the 20th century, silversmiths typically used bold, block lettering to write their names. Numbers and images were not as common.

Identifying French Silver

From Gold and Silver Hallmarks

French Silver ware is still hugely collectable. Examples for sale can be found almost anywhere in the world. This is a testament to the huge popularity of French Silver.

What is French Silver worth? Well, anywhere between a few pounds sterling to the thousands paid for a beautiful or rare piece of fine French Silver.

Hallmarks the markings in assayed silver were first used in France in the mid-13th century. There are hundreds of different French hallmarks, some of them obscure and rare. However, you can identify many French hallmarks by looking for a few distinguishing features.
To begin you will need a Jeweller’s loupe or a strong magnifying glass and a guide to French hallmarks.

1. Turn the silver item round with your hands until you can find a hallmark.

2. Look for a diamond-shaped lozenge with letters inside. This is a French maker's mark, designating the original item manufacturer.

3. Search for what looks like a woman's head facing right, wearing a helmet. This is the Roman goddess Minerva. Minerva is the mark for French silver.

4. Check for a boar's head looking left or a crab mark. These are found on smaller items such as snuff boxes, vinaigrettes and card cases.

5. Search for other hallmarks that have a bearded man, duck, cockerel, wolf or a man with a winged helmet. These were all used as hallmarks during various eras in France, according to the website 925-1000. A decorative letter "A" with a crown on top means that an item was made in Paris.

6. View the list of hallmarks on the 925-1000 website or in a reputable French hallmark guide, such as "Tardy's International Hallmarks on Silver."

More: Identify Silver Index 

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How to date silver from fineness and assay marks

Silver, gold, and platinum have assay and fineness marks stamped on each article. The Fineness mark is a representation of the assayed purity of the metal. The Assay mark defines at which office the metal was checked for its purity.

The Hallmarking Act 1973 changed on 1 January 1999 and allows articles of higher and lower standards of fineness to be sold. This brings UK law into line with European law. Consumers may now choose from a much wider range of goods but to continue to benefit from the same level of protection.

These marks are the Assay Office Marks and the fineness marks. They are stamped on Gold, Silver and Platinum products and represent the UK office where the article was assayed.

assay and finess marks for silver gold and platinum before 1975

Prior to 1975 no mark was given for platinum by the Assay Offices. The fineness marks were stamped in two blocks except for Britannia Silver which had a single stamp. On Gold the carat mark is always stamped.

assay and fineness marks on silver, platinum and gold after 1975

After 1975 the London Assay Office no longer used the Britannia Silver mark. After 1975 all the four UK Assay Offices included Gold, Silver and Platinum in their hallmark.

After 1975 the Fineness marks were simplified to include a new mark for Platinum. Gold always carries a number preceded by a crown. Silver is marked with a single symbol which is either a lion or Britannia.

The imported fineness marks have also changed to reflect the purity of the metal with the mark for carat removed. A new purity mark for Platinum is also stamped on objects after 1975.

gold and silver hallmarks