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How to Identify a Metalwork Hallmark

Works made of metals such as gold, silver or platinum have impressed marks that offer a wealth of information regarding the history of the piece. One of the most important of these marks is the hallmark, which can reveal from what kind of material the object is made and how fine that metal is. Learning about metal hallmarks takes research. You can learn about it either online or through a good source of reference books, such as a library or bookstore.

Instructions

- 1
  Understand the information a hallmark provides. A hallmark on a metal object differs from a maker's mark in that a hallmark gives information about the content and purity of the metal, rather than information on who manufactured the pieces. A hallmark can also help indicate the country of origin and the time period of the object's production.
- 2
  Familiarize yourself with some of the basic markings. While there are many hallmarks, it is helpful to learn to identify some of the most common. British gold pieces that date from 1798 to 1975 are marked with a crown and then a number followed by "c" or "ct," which signifies the karat weight or purity of the gold. On English silver, a walking lion denotes a sterling silver piece. On American metalwork, a number followed by a "k" or "kt" tells the karat weight. Sterling silver pieces are marked "925" or with the word "sterling."
- 3
  Look at reference books. A library, bookstore Amazon.com will have a variety of reference books to help you learn to identify hallmarks from around the world. Some examples of these guidebooks are "Bradbury's Book of Hallmarks: A Guide to Marks of Origin on English, Scottish and Irish Silver, Gold and Platinum and on Foreign Imported Silver and Gold Plate 1544 to 2010" by Frederick Bradbury, "Pocket Edition Jackson's Hallmarks" by Ian Pickford, "All About Antique Silver with International Hallmarks" by Diana Sanders Cinamon, and "English Silver Hall-Marks: Including the Marks of Origin on Scottish &Irish Silver Plate, Gold, Platinum &Sheffield Plate: With 500 of the More Important Makers Marks from 1697-1900" by Judith Banister.
- 4
  Use Internet resources. If you are still having trouble identifying your piece's hallmark, online services offer a quick and easy way to identify the markings on your metalwork. Marks 4 Silver features a visual reference guide to over 12,000 hallmarks found on silver, gold, and other metals. This website does charge a membership fee for its service. The Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks, and Maker's Marks is a free Internet resource that shows hallmarks from around the world.

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