Is there a gray area in the world of antique silver between purely 'authentic' and blatantly 'fake'? Absolutely. In our latest blog, we dive into the fascinating history of quasi-marks: unofficial silver hallmarks that were struck by silversmiths themselves to gain the trust of their customers.
In this blog, we unravel the motives behind these unique hallmarks. While fantasy marks in the 19th century were primarily intended to give silverware a 'romantic and exciting' appearance, quasimarks had a completely different, practical purpose: providing local assurance.
What will you discover in this blog?
- The difference between authentic, fake, and quasi: Why a quasi-mark is not a deliberate forgery, but rather a sign of honor and reliability.
- Escaping the guilds: How village and regional masters (such as in the Groninger Ommelanden) bypassed strict and costly guild regulations in the cities.
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Ten historical examples: A journey through the Netherlands based on unique silver marks:
- From the mysterious 'little fish of Visvliet' from 1664...
- ...to the village and city icons from Gorredijk, Ameland, Appingedam, and various Brabant and Gelderland cities.
Are you curious about how hallmarks were historically used to protect consumers and how silversmiths cleverly responded to the market?
With thanks to Peter de Reijke
