Hall marks on gold & silver plate

DUTY MARK 173
In 1896 a new form of shield was introduced, having three lobes
above and the same number below, which was used until 1916:
On the introduction of the new cycle of date letters in 19 16, the
lion ceased to be guardant, and was placed in an oblong outline,
having
three lobes below :
THE LION'S HEAD ERASED, AND FIGURE OF
BRITANNIA.
When the standard for silver was raised in 1697, it was enacted
that in lieu of the leopard's head and lion passant, the assay <strong>marks</strong>
should be the figure of a lion's head erased, and the figure of a
woman commonly called Britannia. This higher standard with
these <strong>marks</strong> continued to be compulsory until 1720; when the old
standard was again allowe'l, with the old <strong>marks</strong>. The higher standard
is still perfectly legal, and when used is denoted by the lion's
head erased, and figure of Britannia. These are illustrated above.
V.DUTY MARK.
The head in profile of the reigning sovereign. This mark was
introduced in 1784. (24 George III.) It indicated the payment of
the duty, and was impressed at the Assay Offices on every manufactured
article of standard gold and silver that was liable to the duty
after payment to the officers of the Goldsmiths' Company who were
the appointed receivers.
After the passing of the Duty Act, which took effect on St. Dunstan's
Day (May 19), 1784, the duty stamp of the King's head incuse
was used for a short period. Wc find it m conjunction with the
letter i of 1784, and also with the letter k of 1785.
The head of George III is in an ellipse and is turned to the
right :