Understanding 750 Gold & Sterling Silver Marks on Knives

Question
QUESTION: I found this in an old purse. What does the 750 stamp mean? Has 3 makers marks on other side of blade. Thank you!

ANSWER: Cecilia,

By legal definition 750 means 18 karat.  This is the parts of pure gold per 1000 parts in the metal mix.   Think of it also as 75%  Pure gold is 24 karat, so,.075 x 24k = 18k.  Is there a mark saying the knife is sterling silver?  That is an abbreviation of sterling, ss or 925(using the numerical marking a with the 18k)?   

If an item is two precious metals, that is to be shown by having both marks on the item.  If the knife is actually silver, then part of it or possibly and applique or adornment to the knife is 18k gold. This would likely be a "dress knife", a knife for a gentleman or a lady used only for small tasks.

The best way to know just what is what if color does not make it obvious is to have a jeweler test the metal. There might be a slight fee for that service.


God Bless and Peace.  Thomas.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes it also has sterling stamped on other side of blade. Where can I look up hallmarks, lion, anchor&A? I think it may be Gorham. Can't seem to send a pic, sorry. Thanks Much for your help.

Answer
Cecilia,

What you describe sounds like hallmarks used in Great Britain. This link will help:
www.theassayoffice.co.uk

Items meet speific standards and are submitted to the "assay office", then stamped to become legal to sell.

Here is a list of the office for Great Britian and Ireland:

Current assay offices

   London Assay Office
   Sheffield Assay Office
   Birmingham Assay Office
   Edinburgh Assay Office

Historic assay offices

   Dublin (now in the Republic of Ireland)
   Exeter (closed 1883)
   Chester (closed 1962)
   Glasgow (closed 1964)
   Newcastle (closed 1884)
   Norwich (closed 1702)
   York (closed 1857)


These are found with a basic search such as Birmingham Assay Office, Great Britain.
Marks are given for the office involved in stamping the knife, the metal, sometimes date of manufacture.  This is a good marking system providing a lot of information.

God Bless, have a great Christmas.   Thomas.