Guide to marks
Record a mark before drawing a conclusion. Exact wording, where it sits on the object and what surrounds it will make any question you ask far easier to answer.
Look for anything written, stamped, impressed, engraved, painted or stuck on: signatures, initials, numbers, paper labels, pencil inscriptions, retailer's names and small symbols. Each counts as a detail worth noting, even if it seems minor or unreadable.
Copy the wording exactly as it appears, keeping spelling, spacing, capitals and punctuation. Where a character is worn or unclear, say so rather than guessing, for example 'second letter may be an R or a K'. Then note where the mark is: underside, inside the lid, back of the frame, beside the handle.
A close photograph of a mark is more useful alongside a view of the whole object and a view showing where the mark sits. Lighting from the side often makes shallow impressions easier to read. Include any associated label, tag, receipt or note that came with the piece.
The metalwork photograph on this page provides material context only. It shows no maker's mark and cannot be used to identify an object.
Not by itself. A mark may be genuine, later added, copied, shared by several makers or applied to something assembled from different parts. A mark alone does not establish who made an object, when it was made or whether it is authentic.
Vault & Vale does not offer an identification, authentication or valuation service. Marks are best treated as one clue to be read alongside material, construction, wear and any documented history.
Choose the situation closest to yours, read the guidance, then edit the draft with your own wording and location. Nothing is sent from this page.
Stamps on undersides are often partly worn or off-centre. Record what you can read, mark gaps clearly and say whether the stamp is raised, sunk or inked.
I can read the characters 'ABC 12' stamped on the base, with the last digit unclear. What else would help you comment on it?
Labels can be added at any time and may belong to an owner, shop or sale rather than the maker. Note the material, ink, wording and where it is attached.
There is a paper label on the back with handwriting I have copied exactly. Does it tell us who made the piece, or only who handled it?
Absence of a mark is also worth recording. Say which areas you checked, such as underside, inside and edges, so the question can focus on form, material and construction.
I have checked the base, back and inside edges and found no mark. Which other details should I photograph?
Copy the draft into an email to [email protected]. Open your email app to review the message. If your text is not included, copy it manually. Attach your photographs in your own email app. Nothing is sent or stored by this page.
Your draft stays on this page. Read a situation, fill in the fields or edit the draft directly.
Vault & Vale / Correspondence
Send the wording, its location and your photographs, and say what you would like to understand. We will reply to your enquiry by email.
Ask about a mark ↗ [email protected]