A guide for goldsmiths, silversmiths, jewellers, and watchmakers in France, explaining the system of hallmarking implemented in 1819, with a map illustrating regional hallmarks.

The dissolution of the guild of silversmiths, during the French Revolution, had led to a period of disordered hallmarking. Despite the efforts of the silversmiths to restore a degree of stability through the four "revolutionary hallmarks", it was not until 1798 that the system became properly regulated. From this point, a "guarantee hallmark" (attesting to the payment of tax), a "title hallmark" (reflecting the quality of the metal), and a "census mark" (protecting against counterfeit hallmarks) were added to each piece, with the marks updated in 1809 and again in 1819, as the present guide illustrates.

The table sets out the hallmarks in use from 1819, both specific to Paris and used across all France: the "title hallmarks"; the "guarantee hallmarks"; the "census marks"; the marks for pieces that had come from abroad; the marks particular to watchmakers; and "counter-marks". The map of France is divided into nine sections, in each of which are illustrated the three hallmarks (for gold, silver, and the "census mark") that were used for smaller pieces in that region.

On the verso is a table of the hallmarks that had been in use in France between 1809 and 1819. In addition to this, various regulations are detailed, including extracts from the Royal Ordinances of 1819 and 1821.

Rarity
We have only been able to trace one institutional example of this work, held by Designmuseum Danmark.