[Illustration: ~a~ to ~u~ 1816 to 1835] In 1821 the head of George IV replaced that of his father, and from 1831 to 1836 the head of William IV was stamped as a Duty Mark. In 1821 the leopard’s head lost its crown, and has so remained since that date. The lion at the same time had the head fuller and in profile, in which style it has continued till the present day. [Illustration: 1779] [Illustration: 1798] [Illustration: 1808] [Illustration: 1810 SALT CELLAR (p. 173).] [Illustration: 1826] LONDON MARKS 1836 to 1915 VICTORIA (1837-1901), EDWARD VII (1901-10), GEORGE V From a collecting point of view there is not much in this last period to invite comparison either in beauty or originality with the best periods of old silver. In order to complete the series of examples herein given a selection of marks has been made covering this period, so that the reader may recognize modern marks, especially when the design of the piece has been copied from some old specimen. The period is important in embracing several protective measures designed to safeguard the public interests and to bring the assay offices under stricter supervision. The Report of the Select Committee of the House of Commons on the Hall-Marking of Gold and Silver Plate, etc., which was issued in 1879, should be carefully studied by those students who wish to master the complexities of hall-marking. In 1876 it was enacted (39 and 40 Vict. _cap._ 35) that all foreign plate, before its sale in England, should be assayed here and bear the letter F in an oval escutcheon. Amended by 4 Edward VII, _cap._ 6, 1904. In regard to forgery of silver plate there is ample provision to bring the offenders to book. By Vict. 7 and 8, _cap._ 22, sections 5 and 6, penalties are provided for those altering and adding to plate, and possessing, selling, or exporting such plate without fresh assay; a fine of £10 can be imposed for each article so found in a person’s possession without lawful excuse. [Illustration: ~A~ to ~U~ 1836 to 1855] From 1837 the head of Queen Victoria appears as a Duty Mark, and till 1875 the leopard’s head, still uncrowned, is of a different form (see Table, page 357). [Illustration: ~a~ to ~u~ 1856 to 1875] In this period the shape of the shield for the date letter, which had remained the same since 1756, was now for the last time used. Its new shape is shown in the following period. [Illustration: ~A~ to ~U~ 1876 to 1895] The shape of the date shield was changed with the letter B in 1877. In 1876, with the letter A, the shield of the leopard’s head was changed, and the face became more feline with whiskers (see Table, page 357). In 1876 another new mark was added, the letter F, in an oval escutcheon, which was compulsory by law to be stamped on all foreign silver assayed at any office in the United Kingdom. In 1890 the sovereign’s head disappears, as the duty on silver was then abolished. [Illustration: ~a~ to ~u~ 1896 to 1915]