Unlocking the history of an antique silverware piece is a truly rewarding experience, transforming a simple utensil into a tangible link to the past. The secret to this fascinating journey lies not in guesswork, but in a series of small, stamped symbols that act as the piece's birth certificate. Your most important tool in this investigation will be a good magnifying glass.
The first step in identifying any piece is to locate these crucial markings, often found on the back of the handle or stem. These are known as hallmarks or maker's marks. Based on the clue from one of our sources about trademark identifiers, these marks are your primary focus. They can tell you everything from the purity of the silver to the manufacturer, the country of origin, and even the year it was made. Look for words like "Sterling" or the number "925," which indicates the piece is 92.5% pure silver. If you see markings like "EPNS," "A1," or "Silverplate," you have a silver-plated item, which is still collectible but distinct from sterling.
Once you have located the marks, you can begin the work of deciphering them. American silver typically features a maker's mark—often an initial or a symbol representing a company like Gorham, Tiffany & Co., or Reed & Barton. British silver, on the other hand, has a more complex and informative system of hallmarks that includes a city mark, a date letter, and a purity mark (like the lion passant for sterling). By carefully sketching or photographing these marks, you can consult online hallmark databases and trademark identification guides. These resources are invaluable for matching your symbols to their specific meanings, allowing you to piece together the unique story of your silver and connect with the artisans and eras that came before.
