Information from the Assay Offices of Great Britain GUARANTEEING THE QUALITY OF PRECIOUS METALS SINCE 1327 The purpose of this document is to give practical guidance in relation to Hallmarking matters. The UK...
Antique clocks The term " Antique " does cover a very large grey area as to date of manufacture or origin of any clock. Personally I would class antique as before 1920. Antique clocks come in a very large...
This is a brief introduction to the subject of hallmarks on English sterling silver since the 1700s. It may enable the reader to decide whether their article is solid silver or silver plated and help identify...
Many people seem unaware that silver like gold,has different grades and qualities. Gold has an easy to read numerical hallmarking system: 9, 14, 18 and 22 carat. Silver now has a numerical hallmarking system...
So you are thinking of buying a valve (or tube) tester and perhaps wondering where to start.The type of tester you want to avoid are utility testers that just check filament continuity – you can do that with a...
List of some 19th/20th century makers This list has been produced to assist in the identification of possible makers. Once a name has been identified as a possibility then a search on the web may reveal a...
I have noticed that Ebay has a number of sellers who are knowingly selling reproduction art nouveau style enamelled jewellery as original. This will give some guidance on how to spot it.Styles Generally, the...
There are several ebay guides about old silver hallmarks, but little about hallmarks currently in use so I thought I'd fill the gap... UK hallmarks are assigned by the Assay Offices, of which there are...
Nathaniel Mills The Other 'Famous Five' Birmingham Silver Boxmakers Nathaniel Mills is undoubtedly the most collected and sought after makers of silver boxes, vinaigrettes, snuff boxes and card cases made in...
How can you tell if your precious heirlooms are genuine antiques or ordinary household items? This guide tells you some of the more obvious pitfalls. Provenance - This means that you are certain of where the...