Why hallmarks matter
A tiny punch on the base of a spoon can change the value more than the object itself. Hallmarks separate silver plate from sterling, one century from another, and a workshop copy from a listed maker.
AntiqID reads the whole stack of marks together — purity, city, date and maker — and explains why they support (or challenge) the identification you were told.
What the app looks for
The most useful marks appear together in a small strip or square. AntiqID matches each element to national reference systems.
- Purity marks: 925, 900, 850, 800, sterling, coin, first standard
- Country or assay office symbols (lion, Minerva, moor's head, three crowns)
- Date letters and year hallmarks
- Maker marks, initials and workshop symbols
- Import, duty and export marks
When a mark is missing
Absence is a signal too. Unmarked silver isn't automatically fake — American, Chinese, Ottoman, and some Central European pieces often carry only initials or nothing at all. AntiqID flags that pattern and walks you through the extra tests that make sense (weight, magnet, acid, sound).
From mark to decision
Once the hallmark is confirmed, the value pipeline runs. AntiqID pairs the reading with comparable sales for the same period, region and maker, and gives you a resale range you can actually use.
FAQ
Does the app cover gold hallmarks too?+
Yes. Gold purity marks (24k, 22k, 18k, 14k, 750, 585 and country-specific punches) are recognised alongside silver.
Can it read very worn or partial marks?+
Often yes, but confidence drops. AntiqID will tell you exactly which detail is unclear and suggest a better angle or light.
What if the marks look fake?+
Fantasy and spurious marks are common on modern reproductions. AntiqID cross-checks purity, weight, style and cites sources so you can spot a mismatch.
Read the marks before you spend
Download AntiqID and get the assay office, purity and likely date from any hallmark you meet.
Get AntiqIDKeep exploring
Silver hallmarks guide
A country-by-country reference for the marks you meet most often.
Porcelain and pottery marks guide
Meissen, Sèvres, Wedgwood, Delft, Rosenthal and more — how the marks changed over the centuries.
Estimate the resale value
Once the hallmark is confirmed, the value follows. See how the estimator works.