Many genuinely old marked discs have been removed from inexpensive common pieces and applied to more expensive pieces. lion passant) and the date letter have both been optional. Silverplate Trademarks - Worldwide . Matting Punching on Copper, EPWM Electroplate Individuals that have silver items are always eager to know whether what they have is sterling or silver plated. For the bourbon whiskey, see, Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks & Maker's Marks, British and Other Worldwide Sterling Marks, A Small Collection of Antique Silver and Objects of vertu, Fineness Certification of Precious Metal Wares: Japan Mint, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Silver_hallmarks&oldid=1136985439, A stamp indicating the purity of the silver is called the, Each silver maker has his or her own, unique. imitating silver-like Nevada Silver or German Silver. A treasonable offence in times when treason was punished by death. That process saves both the time it would take to stamp a mark on each new piece as well as the expense of the stamps and other necessary equipment. 14 & 15 New 1-inch dia. Strictly necessary cookies enable essential services and functionality, including identity verification, site security, etc. TrademarkElite is the U.S. #1 Trademark Search and Registration Service :: LE CORONE is a trademark and brand of RAFFAELI GIORGIO, BARBONI LORENZA, , IT. Starting in 1894, the Forbes Silver Company [,a secondary trademark of the Meriden Britannia Company ,] produced a variety of small silverplated pieces for use by women in the home, including a very large line of silverplated toiletware, as well as a general line of household silverplate. Virtually without exception, authentic marks on vintage silver and silver plate were stamped, not cast. Thus, through the application of a thin outer layer of silver, nickel silver could henceforth bear an even closer resemblance to its pricier cousin. A magnet will firmly stick to a silverplated item, but it will not adhere to sterling silver. [citation needed], "The words "silver" and "sterling silver" describe a product that contains 92.5% pure silver. As a practical matter, it is almost impossible to remember all the names, forms and variations of silver marks. Hallmarks can be applied in one of three ways. RING Silver will ring-similar to cut The scales mark certifies the acceptance of a 1976 treaty in which nations agreed to recognize each others hallmarks. Alaska Silver A base metal Antique silver is valuable and commands high price. Hear that thunder in the distance? The marks on the bottom of a piece of silver can be an indication of the age, maker, and origin of the piece. 26-28 New silver brooch, above, appears with forged Unger Bros. mark in Fig. ( ABCD ) : the letters are inside an unique outline (of various shape) [ ABCD ] : the letters are inside a shield hand, tower, crown, etc. silver, same as gilding. 27, right. Fig. Hallmark identification should answer four important questions - where; what; when; who. Most marks on silver plate, regardless of the size of the mark, were mostly struck by machine presses because the base metal was heavier and stronger than solid silver. After the adoption of the sterling standard, pieces were marked with "STERLING", the number "925" or the notation "925/1000". The compulsory components of a hallmark are the Assay Office mark, a numerical fineness mark and a sponsor's or maker's mark. Since 2015 visually identical UK Hallmarks are being struck in India and Italy by sub-offices of Birmingham & Sheffield Assay Offices respectively: The series of hallmarks described above are still in use in today. Makers' Marks & Hallmarks on British & Irish Silver. On the occasion of the Assay Offices bicentenary in 1973, Birmingham struck a special anchor with a C on either side of the stock, to indicate two hundred years. A fifth mark, not shown, is a profile of the ruling king or queen. Buy Royal Doulton Dinner Plate Serving Plates and get the best deals . or Diana Portrait with Number 1-4, Denmark Three Towers (82.6% or higher), European Figs. For example, a Diana head within a frame made in the shape of a 5-petal flower represented 5160/1000 = 800 thousands fineness, a local silver standard commonly used in table forks and spoons. Hallmarks are placed on different parts of silver pieces. Electroplated Nickel Silver, Old Sheffield Plate and Close Plate Makers Marks; from 1784 by George Mappin. The standard mark can now be expressed numerically, or millesimally, as 925. 5, is marked with the two hallmarks shown in Figs. 9 - Any standard mark that includes 925 is suspicious. The new Unger mark has a large dot in the bottom of the letter U. 4301 Wendy Way com Alphabetical Listing of Silverplate Manufacturers by Maker's Name The alloy it contains is also the reason it's very durable. The pattern number appears on the left of the word Makers; the order number appears to the right (see white arrows). On this and following pages are examples of marks frequently seen on new silver. These can take the form of pictures, words, names, letters, or numbers. Figs. Call 01892 752211. [citation needed], The United States also had no date marking system. The directory of gold and silversmiths, jewellers and allied traders 1838-1914, Jackson's silver and gold marks 3rd edition, Marks of London goldsmiths and silversmiths, 1837-1914, https://guides.slv.vic.gov.au/hallmarking, Online encyclopedia of silver marks, hallmarks and makers marks, Finial antique silver spoon collectors magazine, The Goldsmiths' Company Ask-the Library service, Hallmarking Archive Scottish Goldsmiths Trust, Hallmarks England and specific towns such as, lion passant denotes silver marked in England, lion rampant denotes silver marked in Scotland, palladium indicated by the helmeted head of Pallas Athena. PHOTOS REQUIRED - marks + item. 8 - Any mark that is badly blurred or badly worn is suspicious. For two years it was crowned, but has been struck ever since in its present form by all English Assay Offices. 1. 25 Original Tiffany silver mark on which the forgery in Fig. Main Menu~American; Modernist Silver Marks; Gorham Date Marks; Kirk Date Marks; Reed & Barton Dates . All graphics are taken from real hallmarks. Silver plate woven basket - unidentified marks. 24 An ambitious forgery of a Tiffany mark. EPNS denotes Electro-Plated Nickel Silver, and EPBM is Electro-Plated Britannia Metal. The traditional method of marking is by hand punches, and is still the favoured method. Clockwise beginning at upper left corner: 1A - figural napkin ring, JM hallmark; 1B - forged Tiffany hallmark; 1C - figural teapot pill box, REO Sterling; 1D - new matchsafe virtually identical to 19th century original by Wallace. Further details in the EPNS/EPBM page Please report errors and potential updates via my Contact form. At least that's the theory. Exact source thought to be Thailand, but that is not certain. Today, collecting Antique Silver is a very lucrative pastime, which can be taken up by anyone with a little bit of time and money. Then you might need an invasive test to confirm. 19-21 This GJ-925-sterling mark (Fig. In America, articles marked sterling must contain a minimum of 925 parts silver for every 1000 parts of material. 5) optional profile of the current king or queen. Sir Christopher double jigger by Wallace. Now, years later, collectors know that fine American silver was also made during the nineteenth, twentieth and twenty-first centuries. COIN, DOLLAR, and STANDARD were usually American terms, but some Irish makers also used them. Silver was stamped with a lion for London, a thistle for Edinburgh. In addition . Go no further. Atocha does not appear on any Spanish coins. hdogv Trigger Blade: Anschutz 007434 in silver Magazine Capacity: 10 Magazine Release: Extended Stock Style: BR50-U2 Walnut Upgrades included on this rifle: Epoxy bedding done in house. When the American silversmiths were first discovered in the early 1900s, most collectors felt that only the eighteenth-century makers were important. Antique silver hallmarks have been used to control the quality of goods made of silver since the 14th century and the organisation that regulates the craft, Goldsmiths Hall, gave the world the term hallmark. England has also agreed to accept standard marks on silver imported into England from any nation that signs a 1976 treaty, or convention, guaranteeing strict testing of silver content. If they offended again, a limb would be hacked off and, until the 1720's, the death penalty was the usual sentence meted out to persistent offenders. STERLING means that 925 out of 1000 parts are silver. The term Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) refers to the coating of the base metal nickel silverwhich in itself contains no actual silverwith precious metal. PAJ is the mark of an unidentified maker/importer. All very good quality. Identify ECU on EVO XBMW M4 ECU Tuning. The collector in pursuit of sterling silver, or any solid silver item, should beware of any articles sold as nickel silver or German silver, for, again, these are not, in fact, real silver. Unidentified mark silver-plate. 21) imitates an original by Gorham. These marks mean the same standard as US silver prior to 1870-or 90% silver: These marks mean the same as a content of 92.5% silver: These marks mean electroplated, developed in the US around the Civil War by William Rogers: EPNS Electroplate HOME; American Marks. denting silverplate, so be careful. This is a fantasy product. The term 'hallmark' actually dates back to 1478, and was introduced purposely for silver hallmarks. on Britannia Metal, EPNS-WMM Electroplate of metal. 1979 Pontiac Trans Am Make An Offer $54,900 Color Silver Engine 8 Cylinder Miles 6,400 6,400 miles car sat for 30 plus year's completely restored inside and out. Britannia Silver A silver alloy of high standard-usually 95.8%-not to be Compare the mark of a suspected piece to genuine marks in reference books or known originals in your own collection. Atlanta, Georgia 30328 | 877.481.5750, BENEDICT is preceded, on each subsequent line, by INDESTRUCTO, SHEFFIELD PLATE, E.P.N.S., MADE IN USA., Electroplated Nickel Silver, Old Sheffield Plate and Close Plate Makers Marks; from 1784, Guide to the Archive of Art and Design, Victoria & Albert Museum, Elkington Electroplate Silver / Silver Plate Marks and Date Letters: Elkington-Elkington, Mason & Co-Elkington & Co-Elkington & Co. HEFT This is kind of like intuitive Use the links below to go to the section you want. HOME; American Marks. Real Or Repro is an industry resource powered by, Two Vintage Silver Plated Trivet Stands Wallace Gorham, Large English Silver on Copper 27" Chippendale Footed Butler Tray Buffet Serving Platter Silverplate by Wallace, Wallace Baroque Footed Serving Fruit Centerpiece Bowl Vintage Silver Plated 207F, Wallace Baroque Silverplate Salt Pepper Shakers, Wallace Baroque 282 Silverplate Coffee Pot, Wallace Baroque Silver Plate single candlestick, Wallace Baroque 282 Silverplate Coffee Pot #2, Vintage Collectible 2 Baroque Wallace Silverplated 736 Pattern Candle Holders, Nancy Dean R Wallace Silver Plate Tongs Pattern #1835, C1890's Gorham Silver Plate Silver Soldered Chocolate Pot, Wallace Silver Baroque Coffee and Tea Service Set & 17" Footed Tray, Vintage, Antique Wallace "Louvre" Pattern Solid Pie Server, Vintage Wallace #7333 Pierced Footed Silver plate Expandable Trivet, Ornate Birmingham SILVERPLATE Chafing Dish Warmer -marked Berkeley Hotel BSL - England, Early Tiffany Grapevine Tidbit Tray Server Grape Leaf, Motif, Design, Silverplated, Gorham Paul Revere Silver Plate (EP) 5 Footed Bowl YC778, Gorham Revere Bowl Silverplate Glass Liner 6 1/2" YCC9, VINTAGE Wallace Color Clad Silver Plated Footed Dish with Blue Interior #9047, Antique Gorham silverplate ornate grape shears grape clusters design 050, Circa 1930s Sterling Silver Gorham Calling Card Tray, Mid 20th Century Gorham Silver Plated (EP) Paul Revere 4 1/2 Footed Bowl, Tiffany & Co Silver Plated Asparagus Tongs, Antique Silver Plated Tiffany & Co Letter Holder. Figs. We at Antique Silver Buyers have an OPEN SHOP At 1350 W Bay Dr, Largo. Engraving Cutting a design into a piece using an engraving Because of this, some companies within the U.S., such as Tiffany, Reed & Barton and Gorham, adopted their own date marking systems. 2023 - WorthPoint Corporation | 5 Concourse Parkway NE, Suite 2900. From 1929, Japan Mint assays and hallmarks the articles made of silver. All Rights Reserved. 1,2, or 3; 925, Netherlands Lion with Number 1 or 2 (93.4% or 83.3%), Russia 84 or 96; Sometimes Womans Head This is especially important if your original mark is a line drawing and not a photograph. Learn to know good work by its shape, feel, and construction. silver plate mark "W&Co" ON A COFFEE/WATER JUG. The most common are EPNS (Electro Plated Nickel Silver) and EPBM (Electro Plated Britannia Metal). Any piece with this maker's mark cannot be earlier than the mid-1970s. It has been represented by the lion passant (looking ahead) since 1875. This mark is referred to as a "hallmark." To find Kovels' silver hallmarks' database, go to "Look for your mark. She co-founded the Costume Jewelry Collectors International, a global educational website. A fifth duty mark was used between 1784 and 1890. Since these could vary considerably in purity, from around .750 millesimal fineness to around .900, silver known as "coin silver" varies in purity. Here are some common marks on silver or silverplate - These marks mean the same standard as US silver prior to 1870-or 90% silver: COIN PURE COIN .900 These marks mean the same as a content of 92.5% silver: STERLING 925 These marks mean electroplated, developed in the US around the Civil War by William Rogers: EPNS Electroplate on Nickel Silver They are very essential in antique silver appraisal as they provide the right information that help to determine the value and true prices of silver items. Between 1708 and 1853 the crown is often incorporated with the date letter struck on small objects. Fig. Thus, nickel silver and EPNS items have a close resemblance to solid silver or sterling items but are weightier due to their lesser silver content. One of the most highly structured hallmarking systems in the world is that of the United Kingdom, (Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland), and Ireland. Dress your table with a touch of the sea and revel in the crisp white and deep blues of the Royal Doulton Pacific range. The silver marks most widely forged marks are generally those which have the potential for the greatest increase in value. There was a simple reason for this seemingly Draconian behaviour in that the manufacture of silver and gold was allied to the minting of currency. It may help to have a magnifying glass and some silver polish handy. A small sampling that may help to identify the country of origin. 3. Main Menu~American; Modernist Silver Marks; Gorham Date Marks . Expressed another way, items must be 92.5 percent silver and no more than 7.5 percent base metal. In 1934, new statutes were instituted for silver marking: 1. What's the difference between silver plated and sterling silver? The Standard Mark In the case of silver there are two standards, Sterling (92.5%) and Britannia (95.8%). These five nations have, historically, provided a wealth of information about a piece through their series of applied punches. 925-1000 . Typical pre-1975 British hallmark. We will focus on the marks found on reproductions of small decorative and novelty pieces such as match safes, sewing accessories, pill boxes, chatelaines, thimbles and similar wares. 1) symbol for the town in which the silver content was certified, called an assay or town mark; 2) symbol for the year of manufacture called the date letter; 3) symbol representing the silversmith or factory which made the object, called maker's mark or sponsors mark; 4) symbol for the standard mark guaranteeing the silver content. Beginning in 1999, neither date marks nor the lion passant were required on silver made and sold in England. From pharaohs, Roman emperors and continuing today, fineness, or standard marks, have been used to guarantee minimum amounts of precious metal in relation to non-precious metal. NOTE: Since 1 January 1999 the traditional fineness mark (e.g. The control symbol used in convention hallmarks since 1976 is always a scale. Also, a detailed comparison of the item in question to similar ones that have previously sold at auction is highly recommended.Note that electroplated nickel silver can often have a yellowish or gold-like sheen, as seen in this tankard and this 1848 Elkington teapot. Elkington Electroplate Silver / Silver Plate Marks and Date Letters: Elkington-Elkington, Mason & Co-Elkington & Co-Elkington & Co. www.ascasonline.org. By far the vast majority of qualifying items made in the US ca. The harp indicated the piece was made in Dublin. silver locket, Art Nouveau lady's face in flower. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. We use this to improve our products, services and user experience. Scottish hallmarks have been regulated by statute since 1457 but the earliest known example dates only from 1556 to 1557. Some authentic Victorian-era silver-plated pieces do bear applied discs with the manufacturers name. Since its invention, the technique of electroplating use has spread across the globe. He holds a CAPP in Appreciable Residential Contents and has been an adjunct professor of Fine and Decorative Arts at Centenary University. The word STERLING was frequently used by 1860. 2 posts Page 1 of 1. The fake is made from two pieces of silver. Because of possible confusion with the Crown mark used after 1798, (as the hallmark for 18ct gold), the Sheffield assay mark was changed on January 1st 1975 for a rose. (e.g. Prior to 1975 the date letter varied for every office. Cast marks are almost always blurred and uneven, Fig. This listing should make it easier to identify Grandmas spoon or a dish in an antiques shop, but remember a mark can easily be copied. Pottery Marks Identification Guide & Index, Antiques Roadshow: Antiques, Collectibles & Heirlooms. Then click on the
Pieces for sale in England, as well as for export, must also have an English assay mark. We will reach out to you ASAP with more details. Unknown mark Canadian Plate. Antique Silver Hallmark Identification Forums. The pieces were later marked with the store name. Gifts, Trophies and Awards My account. Silver hallmarks have been used in the UK for hundreds of years. "Maker's mark" redirects here. It should ring. 7 also qualifies the piece for export to any of the nations that signed the 1976 convention. Locate the assay office. Cloisonne Similar to champlev but use of wires soldiered to Not very conclusive. Hollowware Items that are not flatware but hollow (bowls, vases, Some jewelry described as "silver plate" has a layer of silver applied to a base metal. Bottom of candlesticks, figurines, vases and decorative pieces. since 1904. If you are unable to
2. Cast, or molded, marks almost always lack the detail found in stamped marks. The Assay Office at Birmingham has an excellent page describing the anatomy of a hallmark. 4. Queen Elizabeth faces left. maker's mark. 6 indicates the piece was made in England because it was assayed in London (leopard head assay mark). From marks4antiques.com - The most updated price guide and makers' marks research online As a member, you can ask for our assistance at any time for free . experience. The best way to catch these carefully prepared forgeries is a side-by-side comparison. *It is possible for the item to be stamped with just a number to indicate its purity (e.g. Any piece with the scale control mark cannot be earlier than the mid- to late-1970s. If the plating is thick, the item may even test as sterling under traditional acid testing. No vintage silver is marked REO. Baltimore and a Tiffany silver bread plate the Kirk tray pattern 189 10 1/ . The four components of a hallmark are: the sponsor or makers mark, the standard mark, the assay office mark and the date letter for the year. 24 has neither an order number nor a pattern number. appropriate link below to go to the tables of date letters. 37. A typical English hallmark ca. Molds made from originals produce copies with original appearing marks. Keep in mind genuine marks on 19th and early 20th century silver and silver plate vary considerably in appearance and new marks frequently change. Fig. until 1886. By 1839, scientists in Britain and Russia had independently devised metal deposition processes similar to Brugnatelli's for the copper electroplating of printing press plates. DAB is the mark of contemporary English silversmith David Bowles. 13 Any mark applied by soldering a tab, disc or other shape is suspicious. This mark is referred to as a hallmark. To find Kovels silver hallmarks database, go to Look for your mark.Other articles and marks can be found inSilver and Other Metals identification guideand in the Article on Marks, and enter Silver in the filter. Ornate capital letters or the fleur-de-lis were used in France. But it is a general rule that virtually all pieces marked 925 or sterling 925 are modern. What is the Value of your Electroplated Nickel Silver collectibles? silver plate marks. Pieces with this mark were widely sold throughout the US beginning in the late 1980s-early 1990s. ( ABCD ) : the letters are inside an unique outline (of various shape) [ ABCD ] : the letters are inside a shield hand, tower, crown, etc. Wholesale price $5. If this sounds like a lot of work, it was. The mark of origin is the Harp Crowned and it appears with a date letter and makers mark. really good for tableware. Near the clasp of necklaces and chains. Silver Identification Guide The marks on the bottom of a piece of silver can be an indication of the age, maker, and origin of the piece. There are many different terms used to describe various alloys sold as silver. The makers mark will always be unique. The compulsory components of a
No old counterpart of the GJ mark is known. Hallmarks Database and Silver Research. Mandatory use of the date letter was also dropped in 1999. (484) 973-6008 Fig. This presents obvious problems for those interested in antique and collectible silver and silver plate. scope mounts for BROWNING BUCK MARK. A fact only disclosed in very confusing language in extremely small print. Pressmarking is an automated form of hand marking but in the 21st century marking by laser is also an option. Fig. Pamela Wiggins is a highly regarded antique and collectible costume jewelry expert and appraiser. Covid-19 Safety. surface and then filled with enamel. Joined International Silver Company in 1898 Marks used until 1976 Marks:. hammering (similar to repousse). Antique Silver Hallmark Identification Forums HOME; American Marks. New silver marked 925 is also acceptable in the US because that is also the US standard. The 13 indicates silver purity, 13/16 lothig or .813, year 1753. By 1839, scientists in Britain and Russia had independently devised metal deposition processes similar to Brugnatelli's for the copper electroplating of printing press plates. London Date Letters 1696 - 1935 & Maker's Marks, Birmingham Date Letters 1773 - 1924 & Maker's Marks, Chester Date Letters 1701 - 1925 & Maker's Marks, Exeter Date Letters 1701 - 1883 & Maker's Marks, Newcastle Date Letters 1702 - 1884 & Maker's Marks, Sheffield Date Letters 1773 - 1916 & Maker's Marks, York Date Letters 1559 - 1858 & Maker's Marks, Edinburgh Date Letters 1681 - 1931 & Maker's Marks, Table of Glasgow Date Letters 1819 - 1896, Table of Dublin Date Letters 1700 - 1920. With almost any silver or silverplate item, you'll notice tiny stamped marks somewhere on the piece. In these instances, you can use a magnet to determine if a base metal. The Germans initiated the earliest serious imitations of such white copper in roughly 1750. Since then, almost all silver of that quality sold among EC member countries has the 925 standard mark. Hallmarks are placed on different parts of silver pieces. Post by ralphk Mon Mar 02, 2009 8:08 am. When the Birmingham Assay Office was established in 1773, largely due to the representations of the great Midlands industrialist, Matthew Boulton, the mark of an anchor was adopted as the town mark. By tradition, it is said that Birmingham and Sheffield tossed for the marks derived from the sign of the Crown and Anchor tavern in London - where the promoters of the two new offices met. hold the coin in the middle with one hand and ping it with the other. Fig. The globalization of commerce has prompted nations to use the same units of weight, measure and standards to increase trade. I have a piece that has multiple nautilus shell marks, would love to know about the origin. Back of silver flatware. Quick Makers' Marks. You have no items in your shopping cart. Many of these marks appear in areas where no logical normal wear would occur. Which had incidentally, been used as the gold assay mark for Sheffield when the Assay Office was first entitled to test gold, after March 1st 1904. is actually pure silver. The scales control mark, in Fig. Main Menu~American; Modernist Silver Marks; Gorham Date Marks; Kirk Date Marks; Reed & Barton Dates; Stieff Date Marks . Thus, most silver, including items that known as sterling silver, fall into the alloy category. Date letters are now optional in British hallmarks. nac@nacvalue.com. Since 1821, the uncrowned leopards head has remained as the distinguishing mark of London. Antique Silver Hallmarks and how to indentify where your silver comes from. Mackie's reproductions include moving wheels, silver wire reins on animals and other details normally only found on originals. 925-1000.com is the most extensive internet resource for research of Silver Marks, Hallmarks, Trademarks & Maker's Marks found on Antique and Vintage silver. Maybebaby89 Posts: 1 Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2014 4:32 am. Personal menu. The lower grade of silver is 800 parts per thousand, or 80% silver referred to as 2nd Standard. Use a cotton swab to gently polish the area near the mark. Numbers like 10.15, 112, or 11/12 were stamped on the silver to indicate the percentage of pure silver in the metal. If a piece is not American, refer to the sources about English or Continental silver. Main Menu~American; Modernist Silver Marks; Gorham Date Marks; Kirk Date Marks; Reed & Barton Dates . 1973-1979 Ford Truck 11-Digit VIN Decoder The first (3) digits of the VIN are the 'Truck Series' Looking at the chart below, 'F26' would be 1973-1979 F-250 44 pick-up. Many vintage marks, but far from all, include the name of the manufacturer. You can also dent sterling a lot easier than Antique Silver Hallmark Identification Forums. The Tiffany and Unger Bros. forgeries shown in this article are typical of two frequently targeted high-value names. Right ~ 19th Cent. Here are some common marks on silver or silverplate . I, There were many small potteries making stoneware and other ceramics, Kovels Adds Thousands of New Prices and Photos to Online, The Kovels.com price guide has just gotten bigger and better!, Terry Talks About Kovels 2021 Price Guide and Gives Tips on, Dear Lee, These have been the strangest few months I. Queen Victoria faces left. They may well represent one of the earliest forms of consumer protection. It is a comprehensive guide to historic silver patterns from a number of silversmiths and companies. anchor for Birmingham, leopard's head for London, etc.). Fig. The millesimal, or numeric expression of the standard, 925, must appear in the middle of the scale. Chinese porcelain marks usually record the dynasty and the name of the emperor; but they are unreliable . The four standard marks of a hallmark were the standard/purity mark, the assay office symbol, the date letter and the maker's mark. This is generally not done today. Figs. It was not widely used until the European Community (EC) adopted it in the mid-1970s. The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh was thought to be in the 1490s and the earliest surviving records date from 1525.