Marks and Inscriptions

In this section:

The Identifications formula
- Form and Materials
- Design Style, Marks and Inscriptions and Signs of Use

Marks and inscriptions on objects help not only date an artefact, but can give information about its production, its quality, legal requirements or restrictions adhered to.

Analyse the type of mark or inscription and what you can find out from it:

Quality (eg. hall marks; silver assay marks; EPNS, EPBM)
Manufacturer (eg. name/makers marks)
Legal requirements (‘England’/’Made in England’; Patent numbers, Registered design or trade marks)
Personal (Ownership; presentation)

Resource: firstBASE holds several useful resources that can help identify various marks and inscriptions. As a starting point, this resource, from an SHCG training session is useful.