Finnish .813 Purity Silver Item with Helsinki Assay and Finnish Key Mark
Indeterminate based on hallmark closeup, likely Flatware or small Hollowware · Unknown Finnish Silversmith; produced under the strict regulations of the Finnish Assay system which has operated with rigor since the 15th century.
Pattern: Indeterminate; hallmarks indicate a standard production piece conforming to national purity laws.
Type
Indeterminate based on hallmark closeup, likely Flatware or small Hollowware
Maker
Unknown Finnish Silversmith; produced under the strict regulations of the Finnish Assay system which has operated with rigor since the 15th century.
Material
.813 Silver (Finnish standard common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries); composed of 81.3% fine silver and 18.7% copper alloy.
Dimensions
Requires physical measurement; however, hallmarks are typically 2-3mm in height.
Description
This piece features the distinctive hallmarks of Finnish silver. The lion rampant within a shield is the Finnish national symbol for silver purity, while the adjacent key mark serves as a secondary control stamp for domestic production. The surface shows a lifetime of use with a dense network of micro-scratches, creating a soft, aged patina typical of vintage Scandinavian flatware.
Key Features
Finnish Lion Rampant shield; Key-shaped control mark; evidence of .813 silver standard hallmarks.
Material & Composition
.813 Silver (Finnish standard common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries); composed of 81.3% fine silver and 18.7% copper alloy.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver surface with significant surface abrasions/scratches indicative of long-term use and cleaning.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Finland National Marks: A shield with a rampant lion (National purity/standard mark) and the 'Key' mark (used to indicates Finnish origin/taxation or control mark).
Construction Details
Likely die-struck or forged; the marks show clean displacement of metal characteristic of high-pressure steel punches.
Functional Features
Standard silver utility features; marks are placed on the reverse or underside to avoid visible wear during use.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Image focuses on the terminal hallmark location.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship; the hallmarks are struck perfectly level, indicating a professional workshop with proper assay oversight.
Authentication Indicators
The striking of the hallmarks is consistent with Finnish state assay procedures; the metal displacement around the lion shield is authentic to mechanical punching.
Origin & Manufacturing
Finland; specifically the Helsinki region or national oversight, noted for high standards of purity control and specific 'Finnish Modern' design movements.
Era & Period
Modern/Early 20th Century Finnish; this specific lion within a shield and key-flag configuration was standardized for domestic silver.
Age Estimate
Likely circa 1920-1960. The crispness of the stamp suggests mid-century tooling, though the .813 standard was used earlier.
Cultural Significance
Represents the Finnish dedication to metal purity and the 'Sisu' or strength associated with their national symbols.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good; structurally sound but exhibits heavy surface scratching (patina) and moderate tarnish in the recessed areas of the hallmarks.
Value Estimate
Value is primarily based on weight and form; Finnish silver typically commands a 10-20% premium over scrap value for its historical interest.
Care & Maintenance
Gentle polishing with a high-quality silver cream like Wright's; avoid abrasive cloths which may deepen existing scratches on the soft .813 alloy.
Similar Pieces
Swedish silver (marked with Three Crowns), Norwegian silver (usually marked 830S), or Russian silver (marked with Zolotnik numbers like 84).
Interesting Facts
Finland used the .813 standard for much longer than other European nations, which eventually moved to .800 or .830. The Finnish rampant lion is one of the oldest national symbols in the Nordic region.