From medieval times to the mid-19th century, hallmarks were used only for consumer protection. This changed around 1840 when falsified hallmarks, named “pseudo marks,” appeared on the market to dodge taxes. In those days, the English government raised taxes on imported gold and silver work, exempting antique items. Paying taxes has never been on the priority list of entre- preneurs. Some gold and silversmiths in Germany and the Netherlands started stamping marks on their jewelry and silver work mimicking antique hallmarks. A second factor was the renewed interest in antique artifacts of the applied arts that was kindled by the First World Exhibition in London (1851). The smiths of the day, mostly trained in the old tradition, were more than happy to provide the market with freshly crafted “antiques”, and the mimicked hallmarks added to the authenticity of those desired objects. The tradition of jewelry manufacturing in the USA started only around 1840, and one can find many pre-20th-century pieces in the USA stamped with European marks. This was for the sole reason that many settlers had strong ties to, and traded with, the “old countries.” It was not until 1906 that regulations concerning “hallmarking” were issued in the USA. As there is no supervised system of hallmarking in the USA, one cannot technically refer to it as “hallmarking” in the strict sense; rather, they should be referred to as “manufacturers’ marks.” France is credited with having the most complex system of hallmarks known to the world. French marks are based on symbolism, using abstrac- ted forms of animals, people, insects, and birds. Together, these symbols indicate the metal's fineness (purity), the place of manufacture, and associated imports and exports.
Continental Cane Collection Auction - 63
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