Is pewter hallmarked?
English silver has a series of at least four hallmarks: the standard mark, town mark, date letter, and maker’s mark. Compared to English pewter which may not be marked or it may have anywhere from two to six touch marks. This is a result of much use and because pewter is a soft metal.
What does the London mark on a pewter plate mean?
The “London” mark within the serrated rectangle may indicate the piece was made in London; however, this is no guarantee. London pewter was considered to be superior pewter of very high quality, and so the London mark was commonly pirated by provincial pewterers and even by pewterers throughout Europe and in America.
How many touch marks are on a pewter plate?
Compared to English pewter which may not be marked or it may have anywhere from two to six touch marks. These may include a pewterers’ mark or an ownership mark. Verification and capacity marks seen on vessels such as ewers and tankards are meant to mimic silver hallmarks. They may also bear a town mark.
Is there a central Register of pewter marks?
There was no central register of pewterers or their marks, so identifying the pewterers and the marks they used is only possible as a result of decades of research, a process that is still ongoing. The Pewter Society database of British & Irish makers and their marks is the most comprehensive source of information.
What are the hallmarks on a pewter bowl?
Pewter was made and used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Chinese. The “London” stamp in the serrated rectangle is known as a “label”. This mark tells us that this bowl is indeed pewter rather than silver. English silver has a series of at least four hallmarks: the standard mark, town mark, date letter, and maker’s mark.
The “London” mark within the serrated rectangle may indicate the piece was made in London; however, this is no guarantee. London pewter was considered to be superior pewter of very high quality, and so the London mark was commonly pirated by provincial pewterers and even by pewterers throughout Europe and in America.
Compared to English pewter which may not be marked or it may have anywhere from two to six touch marks. These may include a pewterers’ mark or an ownership mark. Verification and capacity marks seen on vessels such as ewers and tankards are meant to mimic silver hallmarks. They may also bear a town mark.
Pewter was made and used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Chinese. The “London” stamp in the serrated rectangle is known as a “label”. This mark tells us that this bowl is indeed pewter rather than silver. English silver has a series of at least four hallmarks: the standard mark, town mark, date letter, and maker’s mark.
There was no central register of pewterers or their marks, so identifying the pewterers and the marks they used is only possible as a result of decades of research, a process that is still ongoing. The Pewter Society database of British & Irish makers and their marks is the most comprehensive source of information.
