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Verification Marks

The second category of pewter marks after the pewterers’ marks are the verification ones. This type of pewter marks appears only on measures of capacity, as verification and capacity marks. When it comes to capacity marks, these are self explanatory. But, a verification mark shows that the pewter piece was officially inspected.

In case of capacity marks, if the verification has been fulfilled you should be able to identify the capacity mark. This type of pewter marks appear on pewter tankards, pewter mugs and other pewter items that are used for drinking purpose and measurement.

Likewise, you should be able to identify once of the following capacity marks: Pint, Quart or ½ Pint. Usually, this type of mark is cut into the item’s surface if a cutting pool has been used, or sometimes outside the surface if the pressing tool has been used.

Prior to 1826 in order to denote the William III standard it was used the “crowned WR” and this pewter mark was applied by the pewterer, and not by the inspector.

Studies have shown that between 1826 and 1878 a different style of mark was created for each town. People got confused due to so many different verification marks and soon a uniform mark was adopted: the monarch’s initials VR or ER which consisted of a crown and the number according to each location. Measures of capacity were often inspected and the verification marks appeared on those pewter pieces.

When it comes to American verification marks, these are quite rare because until those from the 19th century made by the Boardsmans of Hartford. Still, the American verification marks can be observed on English baluster measures which were subject of export. This type of pewter marks and more specifically, the verification marks, consist of letters by which the state or county where it is inspected, used and verified are indicated.

While in England the verification marks are very often found on pub and tavern mugs, in the case of American pewter pieces there are rather rare.

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