THE STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO TRACE ENGLISH / BRITISH SILVERPLATE. It should be said that the correct definition for punches present on silverplate is MARK, while the term HALLMARK is reserved to sterling silver items submitted to the Hall for verification of their fineness.

How do you read Silver Plate marks?

From left to right: makers mark =symbol of silversmith or company; assay mark=symbol of the city in which silver content was tested, leopard head shown is London; standard mark=lion passant (looking forward) certified that silver content was 925/1000. A fifth mark, not shown, is a profile of the ruling king or queen.

What does it mean when it says silver plate?

To silver plate is defined as to cover something with a thin layer of silver. An example of to silver plate is to coat a ring with silver. verb. Silver plate is tableware and serving ware which has been coated with a thin layer of silver.

Is silverplate safe to use?

Silver-plated forks and other silver flatware are susceptible to tarnish, spotting and pitting if they are incorrectly handled and washed. Take extra care if you are washing silver-plated flatware in a dishwasher or you could end up damaging it.

How do you tell difference between silver and silverplate?

If you do not see the sterling marking, the item is probably silver plated. Check the colouring of the item carefully; genuine silver is generally less shiny and colder in tone than silverplate. If you see places where the silver appears to be flaking off or turning green, the item is silver plated.