<p>
	The first silver hallmark was that of the town where the product was made.&nbsp; Before the French Revolution silver hallmarks comprised&nbsp; that of the silversmith , a letter date accompanied by the gild mark and a countermark which was the first standard mark guaranteeing the quality of silver of the piece.&nbsp;&nbsp; The&nbsp; Revolution abolished&nbsp; the gilds and established&nbsp; the &quot;rooster&quot; and &quot;vieillard&quot; hallmarks. From 1838 silver carries only the Makers Mark and Guarantee Mark.</p>