posted 08-26-2007 02:20 PM            

A short question.

Today I visited a lot of websites and without mention the one (I learned already in the past).

There is a website who sells: sterling silver round cuff links with prominent hallmarks.

My question about this is:

Can anybody buy this kind of articles and is it not dangerous that silver falsification is made possible?

posted 08-26-2007 02:48 PM            

• Do you mean true hallmarks or maker's marks?
  
• Do you mean that the image is stamped on the face of the link as a design?

As for true English hallmarks, the question is a little more interesting -- is it legal to cut out the hallmarks of a Paul Storr piece and use them as a decorative piece? I can only guess that it would be, if the finished item is submitted for assay.

posted 08-26-2007 06:03 PM            

I'm sorry I've found the missing line.

At my side I've a big fantasy and my English language is not perfect. These two things together made this new stamp for making marks for silver.
I try to explain my mistake.

I saw this material placed at a website, didn't recognized it and thought: Strange? People can buy stamps and clandestine use this for marking silver objects like Sheffield productions.

I hope I explained it right from my site and I will try in the future to translate each word before I panic.

I've to read your answer a few times to understand it, but I recognized the ???????? between the lines.

posted 08-26-2007 06:48 PM            

If the hallmarks are just made up markings that are not the official markings of a given country then anyone can apply such markings on anything they like. There are many examples of such markings on silver. For example, the US does not have a hallmarking system other than the use of the word 'Sterling' can not be used on something made of silver unless it really is 925 silver. Other than that you can apply any marking you like and many US makers do so to give customers the impression that their silver is high quality and similar to UK hallmarked sterling.

On the other hand, if someone places hallmarks on silver with the only intention to create a forgery to trick a buyer into paying good money for a forgery then that is illegal. For example, if a thief buys a cheap silver plated mirror and then applies the markings of Faberge or Cartier or Tiffany or someone else and then sells it to you for a high price as a real antique from a famous maker then that will be illegal.

In the world of antique silver there are many such forgeries, especially of the more valuable objects, and you need to learn about silver and silver markings to protect yourself from being tricked into paying good money for such junk.

By the way, have you had a chance yet to buy some books on Norwegian Silver, or have your local library obtain some on loan from another library? If they are hard to find there in the Netherlands, you should be able to find some places in Norway who can sell you some - maybe a silver dealer, or a museum store, or even a large Norwegian bookstore.

posted 08-26-2007 06:51 PM            

It has always been possible to falsify marks on silver. While today's technology may make it a little easier, it has always happened. A talented engraver can produce maker's marks with enough skill to fool even the most discerning eye.

So it is best to judge more than just the marks on important and expensive pieces. Look at the entire piece critically... Does the period fit the maker properly..? Does the mark appear in the proper place? Does the mark stand up to scrutiny against previously known pieces? What can be learned about the provenance of the piece..? Does it have any marks that would indicate manipulation?

All of these things and more, go into the judging of authenticity. When you see enough silver, these judgements become automatic..

People on this website.. many in fact.. can judge authenticity almost automatically.. They'll tell you a piece just "feels right" or "seems off for some reason"...

posted 08-27-2007 04:27 AM            

Thank you very much for your quick reactions and I will read these one's with a lot of interesting information.

I will learn a lot of all materies, so this also helps a lot.

The model they showed was for to buy and to wear but it is strange to walk with silver marks as a fashion look?

All the best and most regards,
Silverhunter.

posted 08-27-2007 11:15 AM            

You're totally right about this. But each one has to wear his own clothes of course.

If I look in a meadow in Holland there are a lot of cows most of them just black and white, but they couldn't make a choice.

Of course it's a pity when you think you wear a top mark,you paid a lot for it and it is made somewhere in the east just for a couple of dollars/euro's. The quality is also not guaranteed for what people pay for it.

I think when you wear your own clothes, there is a possibility you create a new fashion look.(I didn't started a fashion in Holland that's for sure).

Also with silver there must be better control for high priced articles, like top mark clothes etc. At this side all the money is invested in second hand silver(a few euro's in the week). It's a sport to buy nice looking silver/plated things for a few euro's. Today I bought one, cleaned it and be curious about it's historical background.

Where is it produced, which period, where it is used for etc. So I think I'm gonna try about this today. Many members will think there we go again. But I miss other questions from the others.

Greetings,
Silverhunter.

posted 08-27-2007 06:35 PM            

When I read the reactions at this topic again I saw your reaction but forgot to react to your side, so I've read it and learned about it.

All the best.