Dutch silver hallmarks
50 marks in our databaseDutch silver has carried a yearly date letter since 1814, with a lion for the standard: a rampant lion and a 1 for 934 silver, a walking lion and a 2 for 833. A helmeted head with a letter shows the assay office.
Dutch silver has been marked under a national system since the early nineteenth century: a lion for the standard, a yearly date letter, an office mark and the maker's mark. Because the date letter changes every year, a full Dutch hallmark can be dated as closely as a British one.
How to read Dutch marks
- Standard marks
- A rampant lion with a 1 marks the first standard, 934 silver; a walking lion with a 2 marks the second standard, 833 silver.
- Office mark
- A helmeted head with a letter shows the assay office.
- Date letters
- A yearly date letter has been struck since 1814.
- Maker's mark
- The maker's mark sits in its own punch.
A note from our specialists
Dutch marks are small and often worn, so we photograph them under raking light before reading anything. Read the lion first to find the standard, then the date letter and its shape, then the maker's mark. Many nineteenth century fantasy marks imitate Dutch silver, so a lion with no date letter beside it needs a closer look.
Faustas Svencionis, Mozeris Fine Antiques
We hold 50 Dutch marks for photo matching
Our identifier compares your photo with every Dutch mark we hold, then reads the town, the standard, the date and the maker. Free, with the result on screen and by email.
Records you can browse
Questions
What does the lion with a 2 mean?
833 silver, the Dutch second standard and the one most often seen on Dutch silver.
Is Dutch silver dated?
Yes. Since 1814 a yearly date letter has been struck with the standard and office marks.
How do I date Dutch silver?
Read the yearly date letter together with the lion standard mark and the office mark. Each year has its own letter, so a full set of Dutch marks gives a close date.
Thinking of selling?
Send a few photos of the piece and its marks, and a specialist will value it, free and with no obligation.