Is this hallmark silver?

[OtusLotus]

Went to an estate sale, they had a tea set, with the hallmarks below.

Want to know if I should go back tomorrow and make an offer?

Thanks,
Asher

[Robarons]

Nope

If it says Made in England and Does not have the Proper Sterling Marks of England then its just plate in my opinion.

Lacks Queens head, Lion Rampant, Year Letter, etc

[tractorman]

Isn't that a lion in the circle? What makes it "rampant?"

[Robarons]

http://www.925-1000.com/british_marks.html

This is a great site for World wide example of Silver Marks of all purities and plates.

For the example shown you will see about 4 stamps stringed together on in a line fashion. Each marking shows certain kind of information such as year made, city , and if duties are paid, etc.

ALL precious metals must be hallmarked like this according to the Assay offices of England- like where this item is made.

A rampant lion marking is a lion on its hind legs 'clawing' the air. I think its London's city marking which is most common of the British Markings.

[OtusLotus]

Thank you for reposting that website!

After a little investigating, I found out that the tea set was silverplate, made by Charles Howard Collins.

Thank god the tea set was a little out of my league ($750), otherwise it would have been a very expensive tea time~!

Asher

[fb101]

Yeah thanks for that link. Good source of into.