HO ON THE ASSAY MARKS ON GOLD AND SILVER PLATE. 1697 the standard for silver plate was raised, by statute 8 & 9 of William III., from 11 oz. 2 dwt. to 11 oz. 10 dwt. in every pound Troy ; and, in order to distinguish the plate of that quality of silver, the marks were changed. The maker's mark was ordered to consist of the two first letters of his Cliristian and sirname, a hon's head erased was sub- stituted for the leopard's head crowned, and a figure of Bi-itannia was to replace the lion passant ; also a distinct and variable mark was ordered to be used to denote the year when such plate was made. This is the first mention in any statute of the annual letter. The plate made at this period is usually called Britannia plate, to distinguish it, the silver being of finer quahty. The cities of York, Exeter, Bristol, Chester, and Norwich were, in 1700, by Act of Parliament, appointed for the assaying and marking of plate, and Goldsmiths' Companies were incorporated, and Halls established in some of those cities for that purpose ; and. in 1701, another act was passed by which Newcastle-upon-Tyne was again appointed an assay town, and the Ancient Goldsmiths' Company incorporated for that purpose ; and all silver-plate assayed there, was ordered to be marked with the city arms, in addition to the other marks. In 1719 the ancient standard of silver was by Act of Parliament restored ; the ancient marks were resumed with it, and a duty of Qd. was to be paid to the King for every ounce of silver-plate made or imported. And lastly — In 1784 an additional duty was imposed on plate. This was 8^. per oz. on gold plate, and Qd. per oz. on silver plate, and a new mark was added, viz. the head of the reigning sovereign in profile, which was stamped on the plate to indicate that the duty had been paid, and has been continued to the present time. OcTAvius Morgan. ( To he continued. )
