Quote Originally Posted by Jock Scot View Post
Thank you Chas, I did not know about the date stamp being optional these days. I personally would require one

Nevertheless would I want , as a purchaser of an antique, fresh hallmarks? In this modern day world of fakery from all corners of this Earth, alarm bells would ring loud and clear and even if I took the decision (and risk) to purchase a legitimate piece, my ancestors may have a torrid time explaining to whoever that a 150 year old antique has fresh hallmarks. No, this bidder would step away as many would, therefore the less bidders in the game the lower the price. Good in the short term for the purchaser, bad all round for the seller of today and years to come.
It is far more common than we might at first think. Old families often had silver repaired or re-used. A lid re-hinged, inherited silver having the coat of arms buffed out or a new arms medallion soldered on, handles from one era attached to the pots from another. All would require re-assaying, but if the silver is staying in the family - no need. It is so common that the jewellers have a name for it - "marriages".

But once an article has been legitimised by being assayed, then there should be no problem. After all styles come and go. Queen Anne style silver has come back twice that I know of.

Regards

Chas