Thank You for writing in. The first Silver hallmark was introduced by Henry II in 1158.
It was decreed by the King that the alloy of 925 silver and 7.5 % copper be the silver standard and be known as Sterling Silver for identifying the purity of currency. It was also referred to a coin silver.
In 1238 Henry III ruled that any wrought (or fabricated Silver items other than currency ) could be made of anything less than Sterling Silver or 925. in quality.
After that various additional marks such as silversmiths, towns, and country marks were added to items to further help identify where and who made fine silver items.
In 1363 the makers mark was added. In 1423 the assay or town mark was added and in 1478 the year date was included and over time we see the development of the hallmark as we know it today.
