![]() The numeric 925 is the millesimal expression of the 925/1000 standard.īy far the vast majority of qualifying items made in the US ca. This ratio is called the "sterling standard" and has been used in the US since the mid-1860s. Expressed another way, items must be 92.5 percent silver and no more than 7.5 percent base metal. In America, articles marked sterling must contain a minimum of 925 parts silver for every 1000 parts of material. 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. The article will not include elaborate forgeries of museum quality silver made before 1850 or silver of other standards. Almost all the pieces we'll be discussing are made for the antique reproduction trade. This article will review some of the most common new and confusing marks appearing on 925/1000 silver and silver plate. This presents obvious problems for those interested in antique and collectible silver and silver plate. A new piece marked Unger Bros.– a 19th century firm known for quality silver – and 925 is legal as long as the silver content tests at 925. It is perfectly legal, for example, to stamp silver with trademarks or brand names of companies no longer in business or whose trademark is no longer registered. ![]() But while most governments strictly monitor standard marks, very few regulate marks not related to the content of precious metals. 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.Īt least that's the theory. Marks on precious metals have been regulated by law since ancient times. ![]() Confusing Marks on Sterling Silver and Silver Plate ![]()
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