Unlocking the history hidden in silver hallmarks

For many of us, family silver carries more than just a sheen, it holds memories of Sunday roasts, polished sideboards, and the stories of pieces passed down through generations. But look closer, and you'll often find a row of tiny, stamped symbols known as hallmarks. These are far from decorative. In fact, they form one of Britain’s oldest consumer protection systems, dating back to the 14th century. Hallmarks can tell you where and when a piece was made, who made it, and the exact purity of the silver, offering a fascinating window into the past for anyone interested in heritage, craftsmanship, or simply the stories behind their belongings.

Each town had its own assay office and its own symbol: a leopard’s head for London, an anchor for Birmingham, a rose for Sheffield, among others. Paired with a date letter and maker’s mark, these symbols can pinpoint a piece’s origin to a specific year and workshop. But what about those that look like silver but aren’t? Electroplated nickel silver (EPNS), widely used in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, mimics the appearance of sterling but carries different markings, typically the letters "EPNS," "A1," or "Silver Plate" rather than a full British hallmark. If your piece lacks those traditional marks, it may be plated rather than solid silver, still beautiful, but with a different story to tell.

You might be surprised at what treasures are quietly sitting in your own cupboards. Teapots, caddy spoons, christening mugs, cigarette cases, and even old napkin rings could turn out to be solid silver and quite collectable, especially if they bear clear, well-preserved hallmarks. Certain makers, like Liberty & Co., or pieces from particular eras such as Georgian or early Victorian, can hold significant value. A quick inspection with a magnifying glass might reveal more than just a pretty piece, it could uncover a small slice of history worth far more than you imagined