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What are the five standard British silver marks?
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The five standard marks on British silver are the walking lion, the standing lion, the thistle, the crown harp and the image of Britannia. Pieces bearing the walking lion originate from England, while the standing lion represents Glasgow. The thistle is the sign of Edinburgh silver, and the crown harp is reserved for sterling silver from Dublin. If a piece bears the Britannia symbol, it means it is Britannia standard silver, which must be at least 95.84% pure silver. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of British silver wares.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
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Shop for British Sterling Silver on 1stDibs
Antique Vintage Wooden English Walking Stick Dress Cane Sterling Silver 1923
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Fine Quality French polished Ebony Lady’s or Gentleman’s Walking Cane with a highly decorative embossed Sterling Silver Grip.
First quarter of the Twentieth Century.
The Sterling Silver knopped grip above a tapering polished ebony shaft with original polished brass ferrule.
Kendall and Sons...
Category
Early 20th Century British Art Deco Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Art Deco Period Sterling Silver Hip Flask 20th Century
Located in London, GB
A truly superb antique Art Deco period sterling silver hip flask with engine turned decoration, bearing hallmarks for Birmingham 1929 and the makers mark K&L for Knowles & Ladd.
Th...
Category
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Silver-Plated Ice Bucket with Original Tongs, 23 × 16 cm — Early 20th
Located in Wembley, GB
Antique Silver-Plated Ice Bucket with Original Tongs, 23 × 16 cm — Early 20th Century
Elevate your barware collection with this elegant antique silver-plated ice bucket, complete with its original matching tongs, a rare surviving set. Crafted in the early 20th century, this refined piece features a classic cylindrical form, decorative banded detailing, and sculptural side handles. The design exudes timeless sophistication, making it a perfect accent for luxury interiors, formal dining settings, or curated antique collections.
Design & Craftsmanship
This beautifully weighted silver-plated vessel showcases:
A wide flared rim with finely chased line work
Ornate cast side handles
Matching silver-plated tongs with detailed patterned handles
Maker’s marks stamped along the base, including 5428 and an emblem, confirming period production
The reflective surface and proportionate silhouette highlight the high-quality craftsmanship characteristic of early 20th-century British or European silver plate.
Function & Display
This piece was traditionally used as an ice bucket, champagne cooler, or table service container, but today it serves beautifully as:
A bar cart centrepiece
A luxury home décor accessory
A floral arrangement vessel
A collectible antique silver accent
Whether displayed alone or incorporated into entertaining setups, it adds instant elegance and historical charm.
Condition
Very good antique condition with expected light surface wear and gentle patina from age. The silver plate retains a bright, attractive shine. Tongs included.
Dimensions
Height: 23 cm
Width: 16 cm
Antique silver-plated ice bucket, vintage barware, silver plate wine cooler, antique champagne bucket...
Category
Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Sterling Silver
Materials
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Gentlemans Horse Measuring Walking Stick Cane Sterling Silver Gadget 19C
By Henry Howell Co. Ltd
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Superb Rare Polished Figured pale Malacca wood crook handled Stick of outstanding quality, enclosing its original polished steel Horse Measure which measures up to 17hh complete with...
Category
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Sterling Silver, Steel
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Presentation Cup (1873)
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, antique Victorian English sterling silver presentation cup; an addition to our Victorian silverware collection.
This exceptional antique Victori...
Category
Antique 1870s English Victorian Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique George V Sterling Silver Four Piece Tea and Coffee Service (1928)
By Roberts
Belk Ltd. 1
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver four piece tea and coffee set; part of our silver teaware collection.
This exceptional antique sterling ...
Category
Vintage 1920s English Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver


