A 'C' mark, or more commonly a lowercase 'c', on silver typically represents a date letter, indicating the specific year in which the silver item was assayed and manufactured. The exact year signified by a 'C' or 'c' mark is not universal; it varies significantly depending on the specific assay office where the silver was tested and marked.
Understanding Date Letters on Silver Hallmarks
Silver items are often stamped with a series of hallmarks that certify their purity, origin, and date of manufacture. One crucial component of these hallmarks is the date letter. This letter changes annually, allowing for precise dating of the silver piece.
For instance, a lowercase 'c' used as a date letter on silver assayed in London signifies the year 1898. However, for silver assayed in Sheffield in the same year, the date letter used was a lowercase 'f', not 'c'. This highlights the critical importance of identifying the assay office mark alongside the date letter to accurately determine the year of production.
Key Hallmarks to Identify
To accurately interpret a 'C' mark and other symbols on silver, you need to identify all the hallmarks present. These usually include:
- Sponsor's Mark (or Maker's Mark): Identifies the silversmith or manufacturing company.
- Standard Mark (or Purity Mark): Indicates the fineness of the silver, such as the widely recognized Lion Passant for sterling silver (92.5% pure silver) in the UK.
- Assay Office Mark: A symbol indicating the city where the silver was assayed (e.g., a Leopard's Head for London, a Crown for Sheffield, an Anchor for Birmingham). This mark is essential for deciphering the date letter.
- Date Letter: The letter indicating the year of manufacture, with its specific design (uppercase, lowercase, font style) changing each year and varying by assay office.
- Duty Mark (Historical): Less common on modern silver, this mark (e.g., the King's or Queen's head) indicated that duty had been paid.
How to Interpret the Date Letter 'C'
To determine the exact year a 'C' mark represents on your silver, follow these steps:
- Identify the Assay Office Mark: Look for the specific symbol that tells you where the silver was assayed (e.g., a lion's head for London, a rose for Sheffield).
- Note the Style of the 'C' Mark: Observe if it's an uppercase 'C' or a lowercase 'c', and note its specific font or shield shape surrounding it, as these details change annually for each assay office.
- Consult a Hallmarking Chart: Use a reliable silver hallmark chart specific to the identified assay office. These charts list the date letters and their corresponding years, often illustrating the letter's style and the shield shape it appears within.
Here's an example of how the date letter can vary by assay office for the same year:
| Assay Office | Date Letter | Year |
|---|---|---|
| London | c (lowercase) | 1898 |
| Sheffield | f (lowercase) | 1898 |
| Birmingham | y (lowercase) | 1898 |
For comprehensive charts and further assistance in identifying silver hallmarks, including date letters like 'C', you can refer to reputable online resources such as Silver Makers Marks.
