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Among the many symbols that appear on antique silver, few are as recognizable — or as meaningful — as the lion passant. If you’ve ever examined a British silver piece closely and noticed a lion in a walking pose, that mark is doing more than adding character. It’s verifying the silver’s purity and anchoring the item within one of the oldest hallmarking systems in the world.
Understanding the lion passant is essential for anyone interested in antique silver, whether you’re identifying family heirlooms, evaluating purchases, or building a collection. Here's what the symbol really means — and why it matters.
The lion passant represents one thing above all: sterling silver of British origin. Specifically, it certifies that a piece meets the sterling standard — 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy (usually copper). This alloy ratio has been used in Britain for centuries, and the lion passant is the official symbol that confirms compliance.
Unlike general “925” marks found worldwide, the lion passant is part of a broader legal and historical hallmarking system. It’s not added by the silversmith directly, but by an official assay office after testing confirms the silver content.
When this symbol is present, it means the piece has passed independent verification — making it not only authentic but also regulated to a specific, trusted standard.
The lion passant was first introduced in the 16th century and has remained in continuous use ever since. It is most commonly found on silver items produced in England, where hallmarking became legally mandated to prevent fraud and protect consumers.
Over time, the mark became synonymous with quality British silver. It often appears alongside other hallmarks, such as:
Each component contributes to a complete picture of the object’s history, but the lion’s job is specific: it confirms the silver is sterling.
While the basic design of the lion passant has remained consistent — a side profile of a lion walking, one forepaw raised — the style can vary slightly depending on the time period and assay office.
Early versions may appear more stylized or compact, while more recent lions tend to be sharper and more defined. The lion is typically enclosed within a cartouche, or shaped frame, which itself can help identify the item's age.
Genuine lion passant marks are stamped cleanly and are never part of the item’s decorative motif. If you see a lion that looks more ornamental or doesn’t appear near other hallmarks, it may not be a purity mark at all.
Not all lion marks on silver are lion passants. Many manufacturers — particularly outside the UK — have used lion imagery purely for design purposes or branding. These lions may be impressive, but they are not hallmarks and carry no guarantee of silver content.
The lion passant, by contrast, is strictly regulated. If it's present, it will be in a standardized pose and usually joined by other hallmark symbols. If it's the only mark — or looks hand-engraved or out of place — further verification is needed.
Also important: plated silver items do not carry the lion passant. If a silver-plated object bears a lion mark, it's either decorative or misleading.
The lion passant isn’t just a symbol of silver quality — it’s a piece of historical documentation. It confirms the item is sterling, verifies it was tested, and provides a direct connection to Britain’s hallmarking tradition.
This mark adds confidence when purchasing or appraising antique silver. It also tends to add market value, especially when the full set of accompanying hallmarks is intact and legible.
Whether you’re evaluating a tray, teapot, spoon, or candlestick, spotting the lion passant means you’re handling something with confirmed silver content — and a deeper story embedded in its metal.
The lion passant is more than a hallmark. It’s a legacy symbol that communicates authenticity, purity, and heritage. Recognizing it allows you to navigate the world of antique silver with greater confidence and accuracy.
If you find this mark on a piece, you’re not just holding something made of silver — you’re holding something that’s been officially tested, certified, and historically anchored. That’s what gives the lion passant its enduring relevance in silver collecting and beyond.
