How To Identify Swimming Medals by Silver Hallmarks.

To be able to Identify swimming medals by the Hallmark you need 3 things. The right book, a x10 Magnifier, and good eyesight. 

Bradbury's Book Of Hallmarks.

There are 3 main Hallmarks that you might see. London has the Lion. Birmingham  has the Anchor & Sheffield has the Crown. All must have the Lion, this proves it is .925 Silver.

London Hallmarks. Look at the  A. 96,16,36, 56, 75.All different.

Birmingham Hallmarks. Look at the  Anchor.  All different letters.

Sheffield Hallmarks. The Crown. All different but the crown at the start.

To Start find out London Birmingham  or Sheffield. LION, ANCHOR OR CROWN. Then look at the Letter and which shape it is.

Now you see the Anchor so Birmingham  and Z  so look at Birmingham Z and you have the date of 1924.

If the medal is Silver or Gold it may be marked ie  Hallmarked with the Three Hallmarks as shown or 925 or Sterling,  If it is 925 or Sterling it was made in the UK, Sterling means it is modern. If it is Gold it will be  .9 for 9ct Gold or 18ct.

Many Medallions are not  marked at all and some are stamped on the edge. I have bought many Medallions that have not got a Hallmark that you can see but it is Hallmarked on the edge, I have bought others that are not Hallmarked at all but are still Silver.

It takes time to understand the system, but if you like it and it is in good condition and intersting buy it.

This 1837-1897 Jubilee Medallion is Silver but not Hallmarked. The difference between White Medal and Silver is the weight, hold it and you will feel the difference.