George III Silver Brandy Warmer, London 1815

• Hallmarks - A mark stamped on articles of precious metals in Britain, since the 14th century, certifying their purity. It derives its name from the Guild Hall of the Goldsmiths' Company, who recieved its Charter in 1327 giving it the power to assay (test the purity) and mark articles of gold and silver.
  
  The hallmark will consist of several marks, including the:
  
  - silver standard mark, indicating the purity of the metal. Sterling silver is .925 pure silver.
  
  - the city mark indicating the city in which it was assayed eg London, Birmingham, York etc.
  
  - the date mark, usually a letter of the alphabet in a particular font and case,
  
  - a duty mark, indicating whether duty had been paid to the crown, and only in use from 1784 to 1890
  
  The piece may include an additional mark, the maker's mark, although not forming part of the hallmark, will be located in the vicinity of the hallmarks.
  
  Sometimes silver plated items will bear faux hallmarks, often confusing those not familiar with silver markings.
• Sterling Silver - Sterling silver is a mixture of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of another metal, usually copper. Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver, and is relatively soft and the addition of the very small amount of copper gives the metal enough strength and hardness to be worked into jewellery, decorative and household objects.
• Brandy Warmer - A brandy warmer is a decorative container, traditionally made of silver, used to heat and serve brandy. The container typically has a handle, a spout for pouring, and a removable lid, and it's designed to keep the brandy warm and to enhance the flavours and aromas of the drink.
  
  Brandy warmers were commonly used during the 19th century in Britain and America, especially in upper-class society. Many of these warmers were made of silver, as it was an expensive material that symbolized wealth and luxury. They were often used as a serving piece during formal meals, and were also used for special occasions like Christmas or New Year's celebrations.
  
  The design of these warmers vary. Some were simple and plain and others were more elaborate with intricate engravings or other decorative details. They were made by different silversmiths and manufacturers and can be found in different styles and sizes, varying from the traditional and classical to the more modern and bold designs.
• George Iii - George III (1738 - 1820) was King of Great Britain and Ireland from 1760 to 1820.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• brandy warmers / saucepans - silver items 37