QuestionWhen did they start using the 925 stamp on silver items? I'm seeing an "ancient roman artifact" with 925 stamped on the back, somehow I'm just a little skeptical..
AnswerGreetings,
Britain regulated in conformity the work of Silversmiths from the late 12th century. From this time you were able to note the assay office and grade of material along with maker - although all the stamps of makers were lost in the Great Fire of London in 1666, so its not possible to know who makeres were previous to this date.
As far as I know, 925 or Sterling Mark as a standard was first adopted in around 1544. Prior to that there was Brittania Metal which is 95.8% and a Scottish Silver which was 91.6%. However I thin these were only standard from around 1400.
Nevertheless this is way outside ROman Artefact Era Work.
Cheers, P
