Gold hallmarks, 1897
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Gold hallmarks, 1897
Gold hallmarks from 1897 on a gold medal. A hallmark is an official mark made on an item of precious metal to guarantee the quality of the metal. In the past this was done by guilds, and later by assay offices. Hallmarks usually indicate the quality, who made the item, and the year of marking. The mark at left is that of the maker (JAR), James Andrew Restall. The three marks at right are (from left): the quality mark (crown and carat number, here 18-carat gold); the assay office mark (here an anchor mark for the UK city of Birmingham); and the year mark (x) for the year 1897
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Media ID 6402979
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1897 Anchor Birmingham Common Item Crown Familiar Object Gold Hallmark Items Mark Marks Medal Metal Objects Precious Metal Quality Standard Symbol Symbols Hallmarks
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a piece of history frozen in time - gold hallmarks from 1897 adorning a prestigious gold medal. A hallmark, an official mark etched onto precious metal, serves as a guarantee of its quality. In the past, guilds and assay offices were responsible for this task. Each hallmark carries significant information: on the left is the maker's mark belonging to James Andrew Restall (JAR), while on the right are three marks representing different aspects. The first is the quality mark denoted by a crown and carat number (in this case, 18-carat gold). Next is the assay office mark featuring an anchor symbolizing Birmingham, UK - where this particular piece was assessed. Lastly, we have the year mark 'x, ' indicating that these hallmarks were imprinted in 1897. This photograph not only captures intricate details but also transports us back to an era when craftsmanship and attention to detail were highly valued. It serves as a reminder of our rich industrial heritage and highlights how symbols such as crowns, anchors, and numbers can convey so much about an object's origin and quality. This familiar yet extraordinary item invites us to appreciate both its historical significance and aesthetic beauty while providing insight into English standards during the late 19th century.
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