British Sterling Silver Hallmark Lion Passant Medallion Pendant
Jewelry (Pendant) · Unknown; possibly a custom jeweler or hobbyist repurposing official silver hallmarks. The 'Lion Passant' is an official British assay mark rather than a brand logo.
Pattern: Traditional British Heraldry / Hallmark Series
Type
Jewelry (Pendant)
Maker
Unknown; possibly a custom jeweler or hobbyist repurposing official silver hallmarks. The 'Lion Passant' is an official British assay mark rather than a brand logo.
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The lion motif itself is the historical British symbol for sterling silver.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter: 15-20mm (approximate size of a US cent or nickel based on finger scale). Estimated weight: 2-4 grams.
Description
This is a circular sterling silver pendant featuring a prominent Lion Passant in relief. The Lion Passant has been the standard mark for sterling silver quality in England since 1544. This piece represents a 'tribute' to the silversmith's craft, turning the hidden mark of quality into the central aesthetic focus. It has a rugged, hand-hewn quality with a shadowed, oxidized background that makes the heraldic lion stand out.
Key Features
Enlarged British Lion Passant motif; raised circular rim; soldered suspension loop; heavily patinated surface.
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The lion motif itself is the historical British symbol for sterling silver.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized, satin-finished background with a raised (relief) lion passant. The rim is a simple raised circular border. The piece shows heavy tarnish and surface wear consistent with age and handling.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The central motif is the 'Lion Passant Guardant,' which is the British hallmark for sterling silver. Typically, this mark would be tiny and struck into a piece of flatware; here it has been enlarged or cast as the primary decorative element. No secondary hallmarks (assay office or date letter) are visible on the front.
Construction Details
Cast construction. The bail (top loop) appears to be soldered onto the circular disc, evidenced by the slight irregularity and visible join at the 12 o'clock position.
Functional Features
Solid circular disc with a stationary bail for suspension on a chain or cord.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Pendant loop only). The bail shows some wear and slight bending.
Craftsmanship Details
This appears to be a sand-cast or lost-wax cast piece rather than a die-struck piece, given the slightly soft edges of the lion and the texture of the background field.
Authentication Indicators
The lion's form is consistent with late 19th/20th-century British assay punches. However, as it is a medallion and not a tiny stamped mark, its 'authenticity' as a legal hallmark is void; it is a decorative representation. The silver appears to have genuine age-related oxidation.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United Kingdom or United States. Often these pieces are made by cutting out actual hallmarks from damaged antique spoons (spoon jewelry) or casting a mold from an existing hallmark.
Era & Period
Modern / Late 20th Century. While the symbol is 16th-century in origin, the style of this pendant suggests a more recent vintage or 'found object' jewelry piece.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-2000. The wear patterns and bail style suggest it is not a contemporary new mass-market item but rather a vintage piece of jewelry.
Cultural Significance
Represents the long-standing British tradition of regulated metal purity. In recent decades, hallmark jewelry has become popular among 'silver hunters' as a way to repurpose antique silver that is too damaged to be repaired as flatware.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant tarnish (sulfide deposits) and surface scratches. The bail shows signs of stress or crude soldering. The edges have slight nicks consistent with being carried as a pocket piece or worn daily.
Value Estimate
$20 - $45 USD. Value is primarily in the silver content and its appeal as a curiosity for silver collectors, rather than brand prestige.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft brush and warm soapy water to remove surface grime. Use a silver polishing cloth on the raised lion and rim to create a 'high-lighted' effect while leaving the background dark for contrast. Store in a dry place.
Similar Pieces
Hallmark rings made from spoon handles; Tiffany & Co. 1837 Collection (which also features prominent stamping as decoration); modern silver bullion rounds.
Interesting Facts
The Lion Passant specifically refers to a lion walking with its right forepaw raised and all others on the ground. For over 450 years, this mark guaranteed to a buyer that the item was at least 92.5% pure silver.