STM4502

Style: shell salt dish 

Material: solid sterling silver

Weight: 17.7 gr

Dimensions: dish is 5.5 cm x 5.2 cm x 2 cm

Inscriptions: lion + Chester stamp + letter g + S&H (maker's mark)

These hallmarks indicate that it is made of British sterling silver (925/1000) assayed at the Chester office in the early 20th century (around 1901–1903).

Breakdown of the Four Hallmarks (Top to Bottom)

• Maker's mark (S H) At the top left, these initials identify the silversmith who submitted the piece for assay (such as Samuel Hope or Stokes & Ireland, who often operated in Birmingham and had pieces assayed in Chester).
• Lion passant This symbol certifies that the item is solid 925 sterling silver.
• Town mark (Chester) The shield containing three wheat sheaves and a sword is the official assay office mark for Chester (which closed in 1962).
• Date Letter (G) In the Chester 1901–1925 date letter cycle, the letter G corresponds to 1907–1908.

Typically resting on three small ball feet and sometimes gilded on the interior (vermeil), were very popular during the late Victorian and Edwardian eras.

I chose to preserve the original patina, which protects its historical integrity, sharp details, and value for collectors.