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If you've ever inspected a piece of antique silver and noticed a small lion stamped into the surface, you’ve encountered one of the most recognizable hallmarks in the world of silver. But what does that lion actually signify?
The lion is more than a decorative element — it’s a symbol of purity, tradition, and regulation. In British silver, it serves as an official guarantee that the piece meets the country’s sterling standard. Let’s break down what this iconic mark really means and how to identify it accurately.
In British hallmarking, the lion passant — a lion in profile walking with one forepaw raised — has been used since the 16th century to indicate that a silver item meets the sterling standard. Specifically, it certifies that the piece contains 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% typically made up of copper or another alloy.
This mark is one of the oldest and most reliable silver purity guarantees in the world, issued by one of the United Kingdom’s official assay offices. If you see the lion passant, you’re almost certainly looking at solid sterling silver.
It’s most commonly found on items made in England, particularly those produced from the late 1500s onward. Scotland and Ireland have their own hallmarking systems with different animal symbols, but the lion remains the defining indicator for English sterling.
It’s important to note that the lion passant is distinct from other lion motifs that might appear on silver items. It has a very specific pose and is standardized in British hallmarking. Other lion symbols, particularly those in heraldic or decorative styles, may not carry the same meaning.
When examining the mark, the detail can vary slightly depending on the assay office and the time period. Earlier lions are often more stylized or blocky, while later ones are more refined. However, the pose — walking, side view, with tail curled and one paw raised — remains consistent.
The lion passant is typically just one part of a larger set of hallmarks found on a British silver item. It’s usually accompanied by:
Together, these marks provide a full profile of when and where the item was made, and by whom — but the lion’s role is singular: to confirm the purity of the silver.
The lion hallmark is still used on newly made British sterling silver, as the hallmarking system remains active and legally enforced. So whether you’re looking at a Georgian-era teapot or a contemporary handcrafted piece, if it carries the lion passant, it’s certified to meet sterling standards.
Some modern pieces may also include the “925” stamp, which is now recognized internationally. But in traditional British silver, the lion remains the authority.
The lion on silver isn’t just a mark — it’s a promise. For centuries, it has stood as a formal assurance of quality, backed by one of the world’s most established hallmarking systems. Recognizing it can instantly tell you that you’re dealing with true sterling silver, and understanding its place in the broader hallmark system opens the door to identifying origin, age, and authenticity.
