The Sterling 16 mark appears on silver pieces where the maker may not be explicitly named, but the silver content is confirmed. “Sterling” indicates the item is made of genuine sterling silver, while the number “16” is typically a model, pattern, or form number used to identify the specific design. This kind of mark is often found on early American or anonymous sterling pieces and may correspond to a limited production run or a particular shape in a larger set. Without a maker's mark, identification relies heavily on style, construction, and catalog references. The Sterling 16 mark is still useful for collectors and appraisers to confirm silver content and begin tracing origin or value.