The provided context is insufficient to give a detailed answer, as it mainly consists of website navigation elements. However, based on general expertise and the title "How To Read Silver Hallmarks," the primary method for identifying antique silver is to examine its official markings.
Identifying antique silver pieces is a process of decoding the small stamps, known as hallmarks, that are typically found on an inconspicuous part of the item, such as the back of a spoon handle or the base of a cup. These marks provide a wealth of information about the object's origin, purity, and age. A complete set of British hallmarks, for instance, usually includes four or five key symbols.
The first mark to look for is the standard mark, which certifies the metal's purity. For English sterling silver, this is traditionally a lion passant (a walking lion). The second is the assay office mark, a symbol indicating the city where the silver was tested and marked, such as a leopard's head for London or an anchor for Birmingham. The third is the date letter, a letter of the alphabet in a specific font and shield shape that corresponds to the exact year the piece was hallmarked. Finally, the maker's mark consists of the initials of the silversmith or company that produced the item.
To properly identify a piece, you will need a magnifying glass or a jeweler's loupe to view the marks clearly. Once you have identified the individual symbols, you can consult online hallmark databases or physical reference books. By cross-referencing the combination of the assay office mark, date letter, and maker's mark, you can accurately determine the piece's creator, location, and year of manufacture, which are essential for confirming its antique status. For silver from other countries, such as the United States, look for words like "Sterling" or the number "925," which indicates 92.5% silver content.
