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The Makers mark 2: The Assay Office mark
3: The Quality mark
And that brings us to the last mark...4: The Date stamp.
Please note that more mistakes are made with this mark than any
other.
This is caused by two reasons.
The first: because 26 letters can only be used for 26 years (a
different one for each year, although they did use italics or
capitals for a change). So in order to extend their use, they
changed the shape of the stamp mark itself.
One series of 26 years may use a Shield shape, while the next 26
years may use a square shape with the corners trimmed off. Go
figure?
And second: because humans being humans, (and contrary to common
belief, Jewelers are Human), a manufacturer who lived in Birmingham
had to use one shape of stamp, while jewelers in London had to use
another shape.
All very good, you say, until a jeweler who USED to live in
London went to Birmingham to work and took all his old tools and
stamps with him, and couldn't be bothered (they cost money) to buy a
new set. So he used his old set....
Ahhh... Life is never simple.
However; and in general terms, if all else fails use common
sense.
As London was the Largest and most common stamp, you may find a
Birmingham mark with a slightly wrong date stamp, although the date
YEAR mark should be the same.
By using all of the marks together and taking into account the
wear and look of the item - plus what it is, you should get fairly
close to accurate.
If your still not sure, get a written valuation done with your
local professional Jewelry Appraiser, and use that piece of paper as
fact.
Even though YOU know, they are going through the same process of
'Dating' it's still a little confusing. Plus it's not the only form
of Dating I get confused with...? And my plastic eyeglass doesn't
help at all....
Look out for these tips next time you're spying with your
eyeglass.
HALLMARKING TIPS #1:
In Circa 1821 the Leopard's Head Hallmark became 'Uncrowned' In
Circa 1891 Queen Victoria's head was no longer used in Hallmarking.
The major point is to use ALL of the Hallmarks, not just the date
letter. Also check the style of an item, as this could give a clue
to the period.
HALLMARKING TIPS #2:
As a general rule, Hallmarks should be assessed by going from the
'Big Picture' to the 'Small Picture' or the particular date in
question.
For example: Date the article within a 25 year time span first,
as this can be calculated from the overall 'SHAPE' or style of the
stamp mark (Shield or Oval etc). Then go to the actual 'Year' stamp
mark.
Remember, these can sometimes be wrong, but if we are in the
ballpark, so to speak, we won't be too far out.
It is interesting to note that the expression 'Circa' or 'c'
actually means 'around'...
Silver imported into England carried the 'F' mark (for Foreign)
between 1883 - 1904.
HALLMARKING TIPS #3:
It is helpful if we can remember some of the more important
changes to Hallmarking and just how that effected Quality.
For example: The quality of Hallmarked Gold can give us a clue
regarding its age. Items of 22ct stamped with the 'Lion passant'
were made up to 1844. After that date items were stamped 22ct with a
'Crown' hallmark.
HALLMARKING TIPS #4:
UKHM stands for the United Kingdom Hall Marks and has been in
existence since 1300. Yes... 1300!
The basic marks are:
The Assay Mark which indicated the 'Guarantee of Quality'.
The Origin Mark which shows WHERE it was Assayed.
The Duty Mark to confirm 'Tax' had been paid.
The Maker's Mark to indicate the company or individual who made
the item.
The Date Mark based on the letters of the Alphabet, changing each
year.
The Assay year was NOT a Calendar year as it began (as for
London) in May. That means it covered TWO Calendar years.
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There is a timely warning on Security issues. It's good advice,
plus there is some great tips on Investing in Jewelry, Insurance
guidelines and other notes on selling, Hallmarking tips etc, and
they are being added to all the time.
And the best bit is they are FREE....
Thank you for taking the time to read this special report. If you
thought it interesting, useful or found it helped you in any way I
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regards...
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