Chester hallmarks are highly prized by silver collectors for their rarity (the assay office closed in 1962) and quality. The silver mark shows the city arms which is three sheaves of wheat - known as gerbes - and a sword. The monarch's head duty mark was used from 1784 until 1890 (I've put together a short item about duty marks below).
Chester is known for producing small items such as mustard pots and creamers. The following example shows a charming Stokes & Ireland mustard pot from the 1920's (est £120 - £145).
Both the pot and its spoon have the collectible Chester hallmark.
One family, called the Richardsons, made most of Chester's silver in the 18th century. After the Richardsons, the Lowes were the most prolific and are still in Chester today. Work by Stokes & Ireland is highly regarded and rarely seen on the market.
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