THE ANTIQUE PLATE COMMITTEE (APC) EXAMINES SUSPECT SILVER ARTICLES AND ADVISES ASSAY OFFICE LONDON ON THE GENUINENESS OF HALLMARKS AND WHETHER THERE HAS BEEN AN ILLEGAL ALTERATION OR ADDITION.

Since 1478, the hallmark has included a distinctive date letter indicating the year of hallmarking. The temptation to make an article appear older than it is by using counterfeit punches, or by transferring a genuine hallmark from an antique into a modern article has proved too great for some.

This is an offence under the Hallmarking Act (1973). It is also an offence to alter a hallmarked article without the written permission of any assay office. Articles altered legitimately bear an 'additions' mark, indicating the year of alteration.

The APC comprises 10 expert members, including dealers, academics and collectors who serve for a fixed term. The Committee is supported by an extended panel of volunteers who report and inspect potential problems in the trade.

Information on the case related to Peter Ashley-Russell