www.925-1000.com

Thank you very much. Amazing how well versed you are in the markings. Can't thank you enough.

Hello. I have done a pretty comprehensive search on this site but cannot find a match for the hallmarks found on this small silver dish. Hope someone on the forum can help. Thank you. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7396/11388226063_ea5f3b9770.jpg http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3812/11388128134_e871011...

Oel - Thank you for clarifying the term "assay". Its not one that I am familiar with but will seek out an institution to perform the proper test. Thanks once again for all the help!

Oel - Note that the last photo shows how the acid reacted to the lead used in the repair of the silver leg (from the back of the leg / underside of the tankard base. The lead turned green as expected. All other results tested positive for silver; both surface areas and sub-surface.

Thanks Oel. I will try the specific gravity test as well. I have an appointment to meet with a jeweler who will also test the metal. Based on this test 10.5 g = pure silver, what outcome will I be looking for when testing European silver of 800/1000?

Or ... could the inside of the tankard and certain sections of the exterior be gilded/gilt silver? This would explain the gold / yellow tone
.

More food for thought ... Could the yellowing be a result of lacquering as shown here http://www.hermansilver.com/beforeandafter15.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ?

Sorry Ole. I should have asked ... Does polished silver ever have a gold or yellow tone? If not, that would suggest this is silver plate correct? If so, then why didn't these areas test NEGATIVE for silver? Also, note, the stein weighs approx. 20 oz.

Oel - I ordered a silver nitric acid test kit as the first step in testing the stein. Given that there is a gold/yellow tone to some areas I assumed it to be silver plate. After testing several areas (both on the surface and filing down two small areas below the top layer) I received positive result...

Thank you once again Oel. Great insights and I will do a bit more research and provide updates as I learn more. I am thankful that there are individuals like yourself who are willing to share their knowledge. Regards.

Oel - to clarify, my question regarding silver content is really directed to calculating the level of purity. You're comments suggest that the marking would be consistent with items that met the lowest silver content standard of the period. Does this mean that it could be a grade higher than silver ...

Oel - Thank you so much for the detailed information on the hallmarks. I spent several weeks scanning the internet for information but come up short. Looking at the marks upside down surely didn't help :) I'll have the stein cleaned and check it closely for any additional marks. So based on your obs...

I came across a vintage metal stein (silver plate I assume) but cant find the maker's mark stamped on the bottom. The stein measures approx. 13" H x 5" W (at the base). The detailed relief must have been hammered by hand as the negative side can be seen from the inside of the tankard. The ...