In its pure state silver is a little too soft to be practical for either coinage or domestic use. Therefore, during the Saxon period in England the percentage of silver in coinage was fixed at 92.5%, the other 7.5% being copper. This alloy afforded both good strength and colour whilst retaining a high intrinsic value and remains the composition of sterling silver today. Naturally some form of system was needed to assure the true silver content and in 1238 the 925 standard was imposed for coinage and domestic pieces in England. At the same time Wardens were appointed to check (assay) quality and search out law-breakers. From 1300 silver wares and coinage were marked with a leopard's head and the addition of a maker's mark was made statute in 1363. In 1478, further to prevent fraud, makers were required to present pieces for testing at Goldsmiths Hall, hence the Hall Marks. Also at this time the date letter was introduced. The fourth mark, the Sterling Lion, was added in 1544. These four marks form the basis upon which marking silver has developed in the UK. Comparable marking systems were developed in other European countries over the same period. France 1272 is the most historic, then Scotland 1457, Ireland 1495, Holland 1503 and Belgium 1527. Others came and went but these countries continue to operate some form of hallmark procedure. Provincial marking was also common place from the 16th Century and allowed silversmiths to avoid making the often perilous journey to a main testing centre. Thus from its original role as an independent guarantee to the customer of the fineness of the metal, a function which continues, the Hallmark has also evolved as a means of determining when, where and by whom a piece has been made; all adding to the fascination, romance and lore of silver. Today, all pieces sent to an Assay Office continue to be individually tested and hand marked. Three marks are required under adopted European legislation: the Sponsor or Maker's mark, the European convention mark for fineness and the Assay Office punch. In addition, throughout the UK they still use the traditional fineness mark and date letters as you can see in the example above.
