A duty of sixpence per ounce was imposed upon plate in 1719, which was taken off again in 1757; in lieu of which, a licence or duty of forty shillings was paid by every vendor of gold or silver. In 1784, a duty of sixpence per ounce was again imposed, and the licence still continued: which in 1797 was increased to one shilling, and in 1815 to eighteenpence--at which it still remains. The payment of this duty is indicated by the stamp of the sovereign's head. All gold plate, with the exception of watch-cases, pays a duty of seventeen shillings per ounce; and silver plate one shilling and sixpence; watch-cases, chains, and a few other articles being exempted. The letters used as dates in the foregoing list (it must be remembered) are only those of the Goldsmiths' Hall in London, as denoted by the leopard's head crowned. Other Halls, at York, Newcastle, Lincoln, Norwich, Bristol, Salisbury, and Coventry, had also marks of their own to show the year; and have stamped gold and silver since the year 1423, perhaps earlier. Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dublin have had the same privilege from a very early period: and, more recently, Chester, Birmingham, and Sheffield. Thus it will be seen that four marks or punches are used on gold and silver plate, independent of the makers' initials or symbol, viz.: _The Standard Mark._--For gold of the old standard of 22 carats, and silver of 11 oz. 2 dwts.: A lion passant for England. A thistle for Edinburgh. A lion rampant for Glasgow. A harp crowned for Ireland. For gold of 18 carats: A crown, and the figures 18. For silver of 11 oz. 10 dwts.: A lion's head erased, and Britannia. _The Hall Mark._-- A leopard's head crowned for London. A castle for Edinburgh. Hibernia for Dublin. Five lions and a cross for York. A castle for Exeter. Three wheatsheaves and a dagger for Chester. Three castles for Newcastle. An anchor for Birmingham. A crown for Sheffield. A tree and fish for Glasgow. _The Duty Mark._--The head of the sovereign, to indicate that the duty has been paid: this mark is not placed on watch-cases, &c. _The Date Mark_, or variable letter, denoting the year as fixed by each Hall. W. CHAFFERS, Jun. Old Bond Street. The table inquired for by MR. LIVETT, with a most interesting historical paper on the subject, was published in the last _Archæological Journal_, October, 1852. H. T. ELLACOMBE. * * * * * EDITIONS OF THE PRAYER-BOOK PRIOR TO 1662. (Vol. vi., pp. 435. 564.; Vol. vii., p. 18.)