[Illustration: ~A~ to ~V~ 1716 to 1735] The example given on the opposite page for the year 1717 belongs to the Higher Standard period. The mark for 1722 is from a tea-caddy made by Bowles Nash, whose mark is a B with a star. [Illustration: ~a~ to ~u~ 1736 to 1755] The example given on the opposite page for the year 1753 shows the date letter ~s~, and is noticeable as likely to be confused with the letter ~f~ 1741. [Illustration: ~A~ to ~U~ 1756 to 1775] The mark for 1761 on a cake-basket with the maker’s mark, E.R. (Edward Romer) is illustrated (page 291). It will be observed that from this date the initial letters of Christian and surname of makers were now used. This was compulsory in 1739 by 12 of George II _cap._ 26. For the year 1773 a sugar-bowl is illustrated (page 283). The marks are given on the opposite page. The makers were S. and J. Crespell. [Illustration: 1717] [Illustration: 1722 Maker, Bowles Nash.] [Illustration: 1751 Maker, Benjamin Gignac.] [Illustration: 1753] [Illustration: 1773 SUGAR-BOWL (illustrated p. 283).] Other Marks illustrated are =1746= (p. 251), =1761= (p. 291). LONDON MARKS 1776 to 1835 GEORGE III, GEORGE IV (1820-30), WILLIAM IV The most important feature in regard to marks in this period is the addition of the reigning sovereign’s head, which commenced in 1784. This Duty Mark was continued throughout the reigns of George III, George IV, William IV, and during the reign of Victoria until 1890, when the mark of the sovereign’s head was discontinued on the abolition of the duty on silver. In regard to the collection of silver, it must be admitted that this period embraces decadent styles. The delicacy of the Stuart period with its refinement and grace, and the subsequent reticence of the Queen Anne and early Georgian styles, with their sober though essentially national character, was submerged in the first half of the nineteenth century in the Victorian era. There is an absence of originality and a feeling of dull, insipid, or overloaded ornament in most of the work of this period. Practically with this period, from a collector’s point of view, the subject comes to an end. But there are bright spots now and again visible. There is the classic influence due to the same artistic impulse which directed Wedgwood and the Brothers Adam; but this only extended into the early years of the nineteenth century. The First Empire style came and went in furniture and silver, and only fitfully does it appear in design later than 1830. [Illustration: ~a~ to ~u~ 1776 to 1795] In this period the most noticeable difference in the marks is the addition of the head of George III, in 1784, when the Duty Act was passed (24 George III). [Illustration: ~A~ to ~U~ 1796 to 1815] Three examples are given from this period, 1798, 1808, and 1810; the last set of marks is taken from a silver-gilt salt with Pompeian style of ornament made by Rundell, Bridge and Rundell. This is illustrated on page 173.