Silver with the .925 Assay Mark
By international treaty signed in the mid-1970′s all signatory nations recognize .925 as the silver content required for a sterling designation. Silver marked with only the .925 assay mark has likely been made after 1970. Earlier pieces may bear the .925 mark in conjunction with normal period hallmarks. Collectors should be aware that many earlier patterns have been reproduced in recent times and will frequently bear only this .925 mark without a maker’s mark.