What are the assay marks for German silver?
Assay marks for silver purity found on German and Polish silver of the 18th & 19th centuries. The Loth system divided silver into 16 parts. Variations on this three tower mark used since early 18th cent. Similar to Hamburg mark, but usually with conical towers. Sometimes with date letter in the gate.
What was the national mark for German silver?
German hallmarking system was unified in 1888 (see Decree January 7, 1886) adopting the national mark “crescent and crown” indicating in thousandths the fineness of silver. This system is still in use in present days. A.W.B – Bahner Franz – Behrnd Hermann – Bemberg Fritz – Binder Wilhelm – Bleyer Heinr.
What kind of marks do they use in Germany?
Porcelain plates, antique dolls, steins (German beer mugs with lids), glassware, flatware, silverware and guns all have distinctive markings and manufacturers. Regardless of the item, all genuine German manufacturing marks are preceded by either one of these: “D.R.P.,” “D.R.,” “Ges. Gesch,” “Ges. Mbh,” “Gehbruder” or “Fabrikmarke West Germany.”
What was the fineness of German silver?
The previous system was based on different town marks and the silver fineness was indicated in “loth” (12 loth corresponding to 750/1000, 13 loth = 812/1000, 14 loth = 875/1000, 15 loth = 937/1000) German silver 17/18th century marks German silver 19th century marks Hanau silver marks
Is it possible to read silver marks on flatware?
Silverware or flatware is almost always marked, and you can read silver marks on your tableware or flatware with a keen eye or a magnifying glass, particularly if you know where to look. You also need to know how to read the marks if you want to know the type of silver, silverplate or stainless you have.
What do the marks on a silverware set mean?
Essentially every new silverware set, tea set, etc. you will come across is marked with a stamp called a silver hallmark. The purpose of a silver mark is to tell the buyer (or in this case, you) what the purity of the silver is. The most common markings for sterling silver are fairly easy to decipher: This indicates a 92.5% silver purity.
What was the system of silver marks in Germany?
The previous system of antique German silver marks was based on different town marks symbols and the silver fineness was indicated in “loth” (12 loth corresponding to 750/1000, 13 loth = 812/1000, 14 loth = 875/1000, 15 loth = 937/1000) German silver 17/18th century marks German silver 19th century marks
What makes German silver metal look like silver?
As a result, German or Nickel Silver is a sturdy metal that looks a lot like silver. The proportions of copper, nickel, and zinc used for making German Silver will vary; however, it will be specified in the manufacture of commercial alloys. The name German Silver is attributed to the lustrous appearance that makes it look like silver.
