Help with Hallmarks -lion passant 10k??

Yes that’s correct, it’s a crown. Just not sure about a crown, along with the lion passant, as well as it also being 10 “k” (as @anyjewelry mentioned). Doesn’t seem to add up, but I know there are exceptions to usual hallmarks.

 

The way it is marked is certainly unusual.

 

It’s entirely possible, even probable, that the only mark on there with ANY actual meaning is “10k”. The storied English hallmarking system adds gravitas and status to an otherwise beautiful piece that could stand alone without the need for deception or implications.

Look at the mark owned & used by Gorham Silver, from Providence, Rhode Island, USA. Gorham, one of the most prolific silver (and plate) makers in the US for almost 2 centuries…. Felt the need to adopt and register marks almost identical to a full set of English sterling marks.

how many people over the past 190 years (I know, internet research was more difficult before Al Gore invented it) just assumed a Gorham piece to be from Birmingham UK, with a very difficult to determine date letter

 

Absolutely not British, we never used karat or k. I agree it’s someone’s pseudo mark.

 

Thank you for your insight, I appreciate it. I passed on it, thank you for confirming my suspicions.
Thanks everyone for your super fast help! What a great community : )

 

American is my guess - someone fancied up their mark to make it look like the English ones. Only not quite, in case they were questioned about it.