Silver Sweetheart badges

[Charliedog012012]

Wondered if anyone could clarify something for me. It has always been my opinion that any silver sweetheart badge which simply has the word 'Silver' stamped on it is to be avoided. I have recently read somewhere (cannot remember where for the life of me) that sweetheart badges from around the WW1 era do not have to have any form of hallmark and that there are many genuine sweetheart badges which bear no mark at all or are simply stamped with the word 'silver'. Can this be correct.......I remain very doubtful?
I have also assumed that the .925 mark was used only after 1940?


I am reluctant to chance my arm on a silver badge without the reassurance of a hallmark.....testing the badge after it arrives seems a bit like shutting the barn door after the horse has bolted and a bit of a risky strategy.

Any help would be most appreciated.

[redman]

Hi
Only silver badges produced in UK need a hallmark. My canadian silver sweethearts are stamped silver or sterling.
Dan

[magpie]

You may find low end badges are just marked Silver/sterling, both or nothing

[Tigerlily]

James, it can be another dodgy area I'm afraid you just need to do a bit of research and trust your intuition.

In my grenades album you'll see a vintage silver and paste grenade sweetheart that's stamped 925, indicating sterling silver and is authentic.

There are vintage item's that aren't silver and have been stamped 925 to dupe, it is a really difficult area but there are loads of guides out there that should help.

It is a bit tricky though and yet another area to be wary of. I'm sure you have a good eye and that is a big help.

[ASR142]

Hi Chaps
This has all ways been a bit of a mine field as items that weigh below a certain weight do not require a hall mark the current weight limit for silver is 7.78 grms if its over this weight it requires a hall mark most small badges only require a sterling mark this web site might help you out regards stevehttps://theassayoffice.co.uk/legisla...nt-legislation

[Charliedog012012]

Thank you all for your replies. The information is most useful, and I agree that I will need to do a little more research. The links and guidance that you have provided are very much appreciated. I did know that the .925 mark is used to deceive but as you say,it is a veritable minefield.
Thank you
James

[Peter Brydon]

If you want to see a variety of sweethearts brooches with information on makers and rear marks look here:

http://www.regimentalbrooches.com/shop.php

Some of the prices as well as the badges might make you gasp.

P.B.

[Charliedog012012]

Many thanks Peter for that link. It is very interesting and as you say, some of the prices are very eye watering!
Cheers
James

[RCN]

Charlie,

Here are some of my 2WW Canadian Naval Sweetheart pinsmarkings on the reverse.

I have never seen an .800 or .925 silver marking on a sweetheart (at least that I recall),most of mine are marked SILVER or STERLING & some have a makers stamp also.

Hope these photos may be of assistance to you.....

Bryan

[Charliedog012012]

Really do appreciate you posting the photos showing the markings on your badges. The information is immensely helpful and I will study the photos very carefully. As has already been noted, some sweetheart badges can command very high prices and information on the different types of markings enables one to make an informed judgement when considering a potential purchase.
Many thanks indeed
James