Hi Olga thank you for writing in. When checking hallmarks there are three main questions to ask oneself.
1. Is there a Maker's or Sponsor's Mark?
2. Is the metal fineness indicated?
3. Is there an Assay Office Mark?
The Sponsor's mark can be initials of the maker, or anyone of a number of symbols and/or picture marks.
Arrows, weapons, guns and armor are all symbols and picture marks that different jewelry manufacturers have used over the centuries. These marks are called sponsor or maker's marks or responsibility marks, in that a particular mark can then be assigned to a particular jeweler. These marks also lean towards transparency and is one of the earliest forms of consumer protection.
There are many different arrow marks on gold and silver metal, some have feathers, some arrows do not have feathers, some arrows point to the right and some point to the left, etc.
