Top marks for antique silver
Its very important to have good clear marks on an item of antique silver a later item say Edwardian that's useful and decorative not so vital. But period items very important.
Marks pictured read, London assay office circa 1766 with the makers mark for Francis Butty & Nicholas Dumee, who are harder to find makers.
Most sterling silver marks come with 4 marks, a maker or retailer, a walking lion or lion on passant, for 925 purity, an assay mark i.e. Chester, York, Newcastle or in this case London, or in the later 19th century the ubiquitous Birmingham and Sheffield. Finally the date letter.
Sometimes as with this item No24 as part of a catalogued country house inventory, or sometime with had inscribed writing which often can be from a pawn broker or repairer with owners details.
Family crests add interest and can be a plus sometimes, more often than not inscriptions are not a bonus however maybe with a famous fighter pilot or similar war hero, sporting hero etc can add value.
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