What does anchor mean on sterling silver?

What does anchor mean on sterling silver?

On English silver, a walking lion, or “lion passant” as it is called, indicates that an object is sterling; the anchor is the symbol of the city of Birmingham.

What does LION mean on silver?

A stamp indicating the purity of the silver is called the assayer’s mark. The mark for silver meeting the sterling standard of purity is the Lion Passant, but there have been other variations over the years, most notably the mark indicating Britannia purity. The purity mark for Irish silver is the harp crowned.

How do you read sterling silver hallmarks?

Moving up in fineness, the next symbol you will find is 925. This number indicates the metal is silver and that it is 92.5% pure. Silver that is marked with 925 is known as Sterling Silver. Sterling Silver is commonly used in jewellery, cutlery (such as silver spoons), and other products because of its durability.

How do I know if my Gorham is sterling?

All American sterling silver is marked “Sterling” and sometimes also has “925” or “925/1,000” in the mark, to indicate sterling silver. If you have an item with the Gorham three-symbol mark, and it doesn’t say “Sterling,” or “Martelé,” it is silver-plated.

What is the mark for silver on jewelry?

Because Sterling Silver is 92.5% silver, the common purity mark used today is “925.” Most vintage Sterling Silver pieces have the older marks: “STERLING,” “STER,” or “STG.” Some modern jewelry today will use “STERLING” either with “925” or without it, usually in conjunction with the maker’s mark.

Is Gorham sterling worth anything?

Retail, the 72-piece flatware set should probably be valued in the $3,000 to $4,000 range — if it is indeed without serving pieces — but for fair market value, that price drops significantly to the items’ worth as silver metal, and that is probably in the $1,000 to $1,500 range.

How much is Gorham sterling worth?

Recent examples with strong provenance have sold for over $20,000, though many smaller pieces have sold between $1,000 to $10,000 dollars, depending on demand and condition.

Is the walking lion a symbol for sterling silver?

Answer: The walking lion is the British symbol for sterling silver. 925 is also a symbol for sterling. If the mark is: lion, symbol (town of Assay), R, Name or initials of maker, then it is British sterling silver. The letter “R” is a date indicator.

What does the Lion mean on Gorham sterling silver?

Understand Gorham’s use of English style hallmarks. The lion on Gorham silver does not always mean that the wares are sterling, as it does in England. All American sterling silver is marked “Sterling” and sometimes also has “925” or “925/1,000” in the mark, to indicate sterling silver.

Where does the sterling silver mark come from?

sterling silver The mark above is a trade mark on a mid-19th century silverplate piece manufactured by Evans & Matthews of Birmingham, while the one below is on a sterling silver piece hallmarked by Sheffield Assay Office in 1850, maker Martin Bros & Co.

What does the Martele mark on Gorham Sterling mean?

The Martelé mark has the usual three Gorham symbols, with an added eagle over the anchor, and the word “Martelé.” These pieces are usually in the Art Nouveau style with beautiful flowing lines, lovely women or delicate flowers on them. They are rare and highly prized by collectors. Recognize Erik Magnussen sterling.