Learning to read assay marks can be extremely useful, (not difficult with a bit of
practice). A good book of hallmarks is essential.
I would recommend Bradbury's.
Books that give makers marks are also useful. The duty mark,
which depicts the head of the
monarch, was used from 1784 to 1890.
On London silver the town mark, (leopards head) was crowned until 1820, and
the lion standard mark was passant gardant up to1821. The majority of date letters
are easily interpreted, but others need a bit more
scrutiny. Only
five assay offices remain open : London - Birmingham - Sheffield - Edinburgh
and Dublin.
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