Collection: Silver

A full set of British silver hallmarks includes the maker's mark (the silversmith or workshop), the standard mark (confirming silver purity — lion passant for sterling), the assay office mark (identifying where the piece was tested), and the date letter (a letter in a specific style indicating the year of assay). Reading these in combination tells you who made the piece, where it was assayed, and precisely when. We cross-reference all hallmarks against established records and document our findings for every piece.

Sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver and is the British and Australian standard. Coin silver, common in American pieces, is typically 90% silver. Silver plate is a base metal — usually copper or nickel — with a layer of silver applied by electroplating or a Sheffield plate process. All three are represented in the antique market, and we document the standard of every piece clearly. Silver plate is not misrepresented as solid silver.

Regular use is the best maintenance for silver — pieces that are used and washed gently tarnish more slowly than those left in storage. For polishing, use a purpose-made silver cloth or a gentle paste polish, applied sparingly and buffed with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners and rubber bands, which cause pitting and accelerated tarnishing. Store in an anti-tarnish cloth or bag when not in use.

Yes — silversmithing repair is an established craft, and dents, splits, and worn gilding can all be addressed by a skilled silversmith. We recommend consulting a specialist before attempting any home repair, and we can refer you to trusted practitioners. We will always advise on the appropriate scope of any restoration and note any previous repair work on pieces in the collection.