Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Bakersgma, post: 319675, member: 59&quot;]In the US, the word Sterling or .925. The earlier 900 &quot;standard&quot; was out of use by roughly 1880 (a gradual change based on access to high-grade silver ore that became more widespread following the discovery of such in the West.) The only place where I know for certain the smiths conformed to the 925 standard earlier was Baltimore. The US has never had a nation-wide system for the regulation of assaying such as that in the British Isles.</p><p><br /></p><p>Sharp was not British. Recorded as working in Philadelphia 1848-1850 and apparently until 1870-ish in Kentucky.</p><p><br /></p><p>Rainwater says that the American shield part of the mark was a &quot;quality mark&quot; but does not say whether it meant he was using .925 silver alloy vs. .900.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your name or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in