Hall Marks

Devices impre ed by the London Company of Goldsmiths on articles of gold and silver plate after they have been a ayed. Sterling gold (22 carats fine) and gold of 20 and 18 carats is marked with a crown and the respective numbers. Gold of 15, 12, and 9 carats is marked respectively 625,.5 and.375 without the crown. The silver standard of 18 dwts. alloy to the pound used from 1697-1720 was marked with a lion-pa ant; the other standard of 10 dwts. alloy is marked with the figure of Britannia. Other marks used are those of the a ay town (London, leopard's head; Birmingham, anchor; etc.); the duty, being the sovereign's head; the date, a letter of a certain type; and the maker indicated by his initials.