Where to Find Silver Markings on Jewelry or Silverware

Founded in Connecticut in 1833 by Robert Wallace, Wallace Silversmiths is known for its quality sterling and silverplate flatware and hollowware. Wallace produced the first German silver in America.12 Gorham silver products were stamped with date letters and date marks.13

Unfortunately, not all silver purity marks are legit. A 2024 seminar alerted attendees to fake antique silver hallmarks associated with 18th-century silversmith Paul de Lamerie.12 Recent news reports indicated fake silver coins have been appearing in U.S. markets.13 West Virginia law enforcement officials warned residents about fake silver coins being circulated around Alleghany County.14 In 2023, the Numismatic Guaranty Company provided guidance on spotting counterfeit American Silver Eagle coins.15

If you're unsure after testing silver purity or checking the symbols, Cash for Silver USA offers expert analysis to determine the purity, weight, and value of your silver. Request a free Appraisal Kit to discover how much your silver is worth.

Sources:

1. Wikipedia – Silver hallmarks, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_hallmarks. Retrieved Dec. 8, 2023

2. Wikipedia – Silver standards, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_standards. Retrieved Dec. 8, 2023

3. Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks & Makers’ Marks – Tiffany Silver Marks & Dates, https://www.925-1000.com/Tiffany_Date_Code.html. Retrieved Dec. 11, 2023.

4. Tiffany & Co. – Our Story: A Legacy of Sterling Silver, https://press.tiffany.com/our-story/a-legacy-of-sterling-silver. Retrieved Dec. 11, 2023.

5. Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks & Makers’ Marks – American Silver Marks – C. https://www.925-1000.com/americansilver_C.html. Retrieved Dec. 11, 2023.

6. Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks & Makers’ Marks – American Silver Marks – Y. https://www.925-1000.com/americansilver_Y.html. Retrieved Dec. 11, 2023.

7. Wikipedia – Gorham Manufacturing Company, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorham_Manufacturing_Company. Retrieved Dec. 11, 2023.

8. Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks & Makers’ Marks – Gorham Marks & Date Codes, https://www.925-1000.com/Gorham_Date_Code.html. Retrieved Dec. 11, 2023.

9. Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks & Makers’ Marks – Reed & Barton Date Code Markers, https://www.925-1000.com/RB_Date_Code.html. Retrieved Dec. 11, 2023.

10. Wikipedia – Gorham Manufacturing Company, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._Wallace_%26_Sons. Retrieved Dec. 11, 2023.

11. Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks & Makers’ Marks – Gorham Marks & Date Codes, https://www.925-1000.com/Gorham_Date_Code.html. Retrieved Dec. 11, 2023.

12. Antiques Trade Gazette – How to spot faked or forged antique silver hallmarks, https://www.antiquestradegazette.com/news/2024/how-to-spot-faked-or-forged-antique-silver-hallmarks/. Retrieved April 25, 2025.

13. Greenfield Recorder – Get your money’s worth: Dealers warn against increase in fake coins, https://www.recorder.com/Reported-increase-in-fake-numismatic-coins-57661888. Retrieved April 25, 2025.

14. yahoo!new – Alleghany County officials warn residents of fake silver coins circulating, https://www.yahoo.com/news/alleghany-county-officials-warns-residents-160307605.html. Retrieved April 25, 2025.

15. CoinWeek – NGC Counterfeit Detection: 2023 American Silver Eagle. Retrieved April 25, 2025.