What Is the Silver Mark for London?

By Alice Nichols

Have you ever wondered about the small stamp on your silverware that says “925” or “925/1000”? This is known as the silver mark, and it holds a lot of information about your piece of silver.

In London, there is a specific silver mark that has been in use for over 600 years. It is a symbol of quality and authenticity, and it is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The London silver mark consists of a series of symbols that indicate the purity and origin of the silver. The first symbol is a lion passant, which represents sterling silver – that is, silver that is 92.5% pure. The lion passant has been used as a symbol of English silver since the 14th century, and it remains one of the most recognizable marks in the world.

The second symbol in the London silver mark is the leopard’s head, which represents the Assay Office in London where the piece was tested and marked. The leopard’s head has been used as a symbol for London since 1300 and it signifies that this piece has passed all standards for quality set by the Assay Office.

The third symbol in this mark may vary depending on when your piece was made. From 1544 to 1821, this symbol was an uncrowned monarch’s head representing King Henry VIII through to George IV. From 1822 onwards it has been replaced with either an uncrowned lion’s head or a crowned leopard’s head.

In addition to these symbols, you may find other markings on your piece such as initials, dates or hallmarks representing makers’ marks or commemorative stamps which can give clues to its history or purpose.

It’s important to note that not all pieces of silver are marked with this particular hallmark – some may have marks from other countries or regions. However if you have an item with this hallmark then you can be certain that it was made in London, and that it is of the highest quality.

In conclusion, the London silver mark is a symbol of quality and authenticity that has been in use for over 600 years. It is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike, and it holds important information about the purity and origin of your piece of silver. So next time you come across a piece with this hallmark, take a moment to appreciate its history and significance.