More about French antiques — sterling silver

How to identify French sterling silver ?

How to identify French sterling silver ?

When a piece is made of sterling silver in France, it recieves a hallmark that certifies it is composed by at least 800/1000 sterling silver. 

Over the centuries, French silverware hallmarks changed. Here are the main hallmarks:

  • The Old Man (Vieillard) used from 1819 to 1838. There are four differents versions. Two parisians and two departemental hallmarks. First title (titre) is composed by 950/1000 sterling silver and second title is composed by 800/1000 sterling silver. 

Old Man Hallmark

  • The Minerva used from 1838 to 1973.