Silverware 101
Antiques Insider: Judith Miller

Just thought you might be interested in this tidbit that I found in Canadian Home & Country Magazine Feb./March 2006

Silverware 101; how to choose.

Hallmarks can help identify the quality of the silver and the place of manufacture. English silver usually has marks that include the maker's name, the town it was made in and the date it was hallmarked, the latter indicated by a stylized letter. U.S. silver is stamped STERLING and will also have a maker's mark. Continental silver is often marked with numbers; 800 and 835 on German pieces, for example and the number .925 also indicates sterling silver.

It's best to a guide to learn more about these marks - a great resource is the online encyclopedia of silver marks, hallmarks, and maker's marks. Check out this web site: https://www.925-1000.com