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When navigating the world of antique silver, few hallmarks are as iconic — or as important — as the lion passant. If you’ve come across this small symbol stamped into a piece of silverware or hollowware, you’re looking at one of the oldest and most trusted indicators of sterling silver in the world.
But what exactly is a lion passant? Where does it come from? And why has it become such a central piece of silver authentication?
Let’s unpack the meaning, history, and relevance of this enduring symbol.
The term “passant” refers to a heraldic position — in this case, a lion walking from left to right with one forepaw raised and its tail curled. This particular pose, while subtle, carries very specific meaning in the context of British silver.
The lion passant is the official mark of sterling silver in England, used since the 1500s to signify that a piece has met the sterling standard: 92.5% pure silver combined with 7.5% of other metals (typically copper). When you see this symbol, it’s an assurance that the silver content has been officially verified and hallmarked by an accredited assay office.
This isn't a decorative flourish. It’s a legal and historical guarantee of quality, overseen by one of the most rigorous hallmarking systems in the world.
The use of the lion passant dates back to the Tudor period and was officially introduced as a hallmark in 1544. England was among the first nations to adopt formal assay systems for silver, and the lion passant quickly became a fixture in that tradition.
For centuries, the lion has appeared on a wide array of silver items — from tankards and teapots to candlesticks and serving utensils. Its continued presence signals not only purity but also origin and regulation. Unlike some other hallmarks that have changed or faded from use, the lion passant remains active to this day, found on both antique and newly minted sterling silver pieces made in England.
Other parts of the UK have different systems — for example, Scotland used a thistle, and Ireland used a harp — but in English silver, the lion reigns supreme.
The lion passant is typically part of a full set of British hallmarks, which might include:
Though the lion has maintained a fairly consistent form, its design has gone through subtle variations over the centuries. Earlier lions may look slightly bulkier or less refined than more recent impressions. The style of the cartouche (the shape surrounding the lion) and the sharpness of the strike can also give clues about the item's age and place of origin.
While most authentic British sterling will carry this symbol clearly, worn or faint hallmarks should be evaluated carefully, especially on older pieces.
There are many lion motifs in silverwork and decorative arts, but not all of them carry the same meaning. It’s easy to confuse the lion passant with purely decorative lions, family crests, or other heraldic imagery. These can appear anywhere on an item — embossed on the surface or engraved — but they are not hallmarks.
What sets the lion passant apart is its placement and standardization. It’s usually located alongside other official assay marks and will be stamped directly into the metal rather than carved or cast as part of the design.
Also worth noting: plated silver will never bear a genuine lion passant. If a piece has a lion but lacks accompanying hallmarks or shows signs of being silver-plated, the lion is likely decorative or misleading.
The lion passant does more than signal silver content — it places the piece within a system of trust, accountability, and history. For collectors, dealers, and appraisers, it simplifies the process of identifying genuine sterling and adds confidence in authenticity.
Because the mark is backed by one of the most rigorous testing standards in silver hallmarking, it holds more weight than simple numeric stamps like “925,” which can vary in enforcement across regions.
If you're looking at a piece of English silver, the presence of the lion passant is often your first — and most reliable — indicator that the object is not only real sterling, but also part of a long lineage of craftsmanship and quality assurance.
The lion passant is one of the clearest markers in silver collecting. It doesn’t just tell you that your piece contains sterling silver — it tells you that it’s been officially assayed and stamped by one of the most respected systems in the trade.
In a market where authenticity, quality, and historical value matter, understanding the lion passant is essential. Whether you’re evaluating family silver, exploring estate finds, or refining your collection, this small symbol carries weight far beyond its size.
