English Plated Fish Fork & Knife. Why No Hallmarks?

This lovely fish service has an English registry mark on the back of both handles. However, there are no hallmarks for the manufacturer. Any idea why?

 

Hallmarks are only applicable to precious metal. Silver plate / electroplate is not required to be marked in any way. Some manufacturers mark, others don't.

Phil

 

Well, that is just plain dumb!

 

It isn't "dumb" at all. The definition of "hallmark" is a mark conferred by a guild or hall or a government office entrusted with the assay of items made of precious metal (usually silver or gold) that meets the requirements of the national standard. Silver plate is not made of silver meeting the standards of the UK - at least .925 of 1000 silver.

 

It's dumb. D-U-M-B!
There! I'm stomping my feet, now.

 

Oh behave.

Registry marks apply to designs, many manufacturers may have paid to use it.

 

Hallmarks are legal marks which stand for a guarantee by a government or local authority. They guarantee the fineness of the precious metal, for instance.
As Bakers explained, they used to be issued by goldsmith and silversmith guildhalls, hence the term hallmark.
I know this is confusing for some North Americans, because you don't have this specific legal system. But in Europe, North Africa, and some other places it has been in use for centuries.

What you would like to see on your pretty set is a manufacturer's mark.
Because it isn't precious metal, there is no need for a hallmark. In fact it would be illegal to mark it with a hallmark.
And as Phil explained, some manufacturers mark, others don't. Life is tough, I know.

 

Yes, a manufacturer's mark would be nice!
(I'm still stomping my feet!)

 

You could add it yourself.

Careful, those bones in your feet are very delicate.

 

Can I just fold my arms and pout?

 

Much better.