Gemsmakers · Antique App Collection · App 44

British Silver Hallmark Date Code Lookup

Research UK silver date letters using assay-office context and a source-linked personal reference ledger. Use realistic inputs and review the notes before making buying, selling, restoration, or research decisions.

Mobile-friendlySimple first, advanced optionalIllustrative estimates

Enter your details

Example values are provided where useful. Replace them with your own figures or documented observations.

Office mark and shape matter for interpreting date letters.
Enter the letter exactly, including case if visible.
Shield shape, font, and case help distinguish repeated alphabets.
More options (optional)
Date-letter systems changed; use a source for the exact office and period.

Personal date-letter reference ledger

Store only transcribed, source-verified references. This ledger stays in this browser and does not supply a built-in historical date-letter database.

No matching saved references.
GOV.UK hallmarking guidanceLondon Assay Office hallmark tracingSheffield Assay Office reference

How to use this tool

  1. Select the assay office and enter the date letter exactly as visible.
  2. Record punch shape and approximate period if known, then use the official references to find the correct table.
  3. Save a verified letter/shape/year mapping in your browser ledger for future reference.

How the result works

A UK date letter cannot be read reliably in isolation. Assay office, alphabet cycle, case, font, and the surrounding shield shape all matter. A mark can be worn, incomplete, misread, or from another hallmarking system.

The embedded ledger stores your own verified reference entries in browser local storage. It is not a complete lookup database and does not sync across devices.

Frequently asked questions

Can the tool convert any letter directly to a year?
No. It deliberately avoids that shortcut because date letters repeat in cycles and mark shapes/assay offices are essential context.
Why does the assay office matter?
Before 1975 the date-letter systems differed by office. The four UK offices then adopted a shared system, but the punch style still distinguishes cycles.
Does every modern UK hallmark contain a date letter?
No. Date letters became voluntary from 1999; absence of a letter does not prove a particular age.
What does the local ledger do?
It stores source-verified office, letter, shape, date range, URL, and note entries in this browser, with search and JSON export.
Which sources should I use?
Start with official GOV.UK hallmarking guidance and the relevant assay office’s mark-history resources.

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