The letters used as dates in the foregoing list (it must be remembered) are only those of the Goldsmiths' Hall in London, as denoted by the leopard's head crowned. Other Halls, at York, Newcastle, Lincoln, Norwich, Bristol, Salisbury, and Coventry, had also marks of their own to show the year; and have stamped gold and silver since the year 1423, perhaps earlier. Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dublin have had the same privilege from a very early period: and, more recently, Chester, Birmingham, and Sheffield. Thus it will be seen that four marks or punches are used on gold and silver plate, independent of the makers' initials or symbol, viz.:
The Standard Mark.—For gold of the old standard of 22 carats, and silver of 11 oz. 2 dwts.:
A lion passant for England.
A thistle for Edinburgh.
A lion rampant for Glasgow.
A harp crowned for Ireland.
For gold of 18 carats:
A crown, and the figures 18.
For silver of 11 oz. 10 dwts.:
A lion's head erased, and Britannia.