EUROPEAN COUNTRIES SILVER AND GOLD HALLMARKS
MALTA
A silver or gold object that is to be sold commercially is, in most countries, stamped with one or more hallmarks indicating the purity of the metal and the mark of the manufacturer or silversmith
The word "HALLMARK" derives from the fact that, since the 16th century, precious metals were sent to the London Goldsmiths' Hall for testing to ensure that the correct standard of silver had been used. The Goldsmiths' Hall was the headquarters of the Goldsmiths' Company and the home of the Assay Office.
In some countries, the testing of precious metal objects and marking of purity is controlled by a national assay office.
Depending on the national legislation the use of hallmarks may be compulsory, voluntary or provided by a manufacturer's declaration.
The present Maltese hallmarking system is organized on a voluntary base.
The first silver hallmarking regulation was introduced by the military order of Knights Hospitaller in 1636. After the short period of French occupation (1798-1800) the island became de facto a British colony. Malta obtained Self Government in 1920, independence in 1964 and became a republic in 1974.
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Silver hallmarks 1801 - 1809
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Silver hallmarks 1810 - 1820
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Silver hallmarks 1810 - 1826
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Silver hallmarks 1826 - 1857
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Silver hallmarks 1857 - 1920
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Silver hallmarks 1920 - 1964
.959 .917 .875 .800 fineness
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Silver hallmarks 1964 - 1977
.959 .917 .875 .800 fineness
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Silver hallmarks 1977 - 1982
.925 .875 .835 .800 fineness
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Silver hallmarks 1982 - present
.959 .925 .830 .800 fineness
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