What has happened to silver hallmarks on knives?

[golok]

I understand that in 17th & 18th century London, fruit knives and forks had hallmarks on their blades.

Some of these knives carried as many as five marks on the blade tang.

I am wondering if there are knives manufactured today that still carry such hallmarks. It would certainly be interesting if such hallmarks are introduced for limited edition knives.

In the past, the hallmarks disclosed the city of origin, maker's initials, year of assay, sterling silver content and a duty stamp.

 

[george tichbourne]

Very few knifemakers use stirling silver or gold for blades and bolsters. One can buy sterling or gold content stamps from precious metal suppliers and jewelery supply companies but guild hallmarks are
limited to members ie goldsmiths guild.

Our personal stamps on the blade are usually identification enough.

 

[yitz]

I think silver blades on fruit knives were more prevalent prior to the advent of stainless steel. The old steels would rust easily when exposed to the acid in fruits. Todays steels are a lot more practical than silver.