I've always wanted a hallmark. I remember learning about the system in the UK, although I can't remember the name of he organisation/authority that issues them. We don't have a similar system in Au. How did you go about getting your hallmark?
The tutor arranged it for us. First of all we had to do a design for our initials. Then it had to be sent to the local Assay Office for approval. My first one was rejected because it looked too much like another SS. Once a design had been approved the punches could be made. I had a straight small one and a straight larger one. Then I had a one for going inside rings. These punches had to be registered with the Assay office and given a number. In my case it was Sheffield Assay Office. Along with the appropriate fee. Every 10 years or so I have to pay a fee to keep my hallmarks up to date.
Any new punches you have made have to be registered.
A central registry is at Goldsmiths Hall
When a piece of silver is presented for hall marking you stamp your mark on and leave a space for the rest of the assay marks. The item was best to left in an unfinished condition because of the scrapings they took off it to test. Finished items were charged extra because being limited to where they could take the scrapings from.
They would if asked, put your mark on for you if you took the punch along and paid an extra fee. I occasionally used to do this because it can be difficult getting a good clear mark especially on curved items.
Anything presented for marking that was not up to grade was trashed with a hammer and you lost it. If the article was to have some wood in it like a handle or base a drawing had to be sent with it explaining why.
In article , Marisa Cappetta writes
vj found this in rec.crafts.beads, from Shirley Shone :
]When a piece of silver is presented for hall marking you stamp your mark ]on and leave a space for the rest of the assay marks. The item was best ]to left in an unfinished condition because of the scrapings they took ]off it to test. Finished items were charged extra because being limited ]to where they could take the scrapings from. ]They would if asked, put your mark on for you if you took the punch ]along and paid an extra fee. I occasionally used to do this because it ]can be difficult getting a good clear mark especially on curved items. ]Anything presented for marking that was not up to grade was trashed with ]a hammer and you lost it. If the article was to have some wood in it ]like a handle or base a drawing had to be sent with it explaining why.
absolutely fascinating, Shirley - thank you!
----------- @vicki [SnuggleWench] (Books)
InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.