What are some distinctive silver plate marks?

A common silver plate mark is a cherub loading a bow with an arrow within the outline of a shield, which identifies John Grinsell & Son marks. Three crowns represent the Three Crowns Silversmith mark.

Silver marks are divided into several categories, including pictorial marks and initial marks. The marks represent each individual smith or smithing company, and they act as a brand or a logo to denote the smith's work. The marks range in their symbolism and presentation. Some silversmiths choose a simple letter for their mark, while others choose complex insignias and patterns that appear as works of art on their own.