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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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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
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Kind regards...
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