Silver hallmarks from 1814 on the handle of a piece of silver cutlery. A hallmark is an official mark made on an item of precious metal to guarantee the quality of the metal. In the past this was done by guilds, and later by assay offices. Hallmarks usually indicate the metal, who who made the item, and the year of marking. The three marks here (from left) are: the duty mark for George III; the date letter (T) for the year 1814; and the lion passant (walking lion) mark for sterling silver (.925 quality). At the top of the handle is the maker's mark (MSES) for Mary and Elizabeth Sumner. Above this is a faint town of origin mark for London.