Chester hallmark date letter “B”: which year?

The letter B on a Chester hallmark can be any of these years, depending on its case and typeface: 1840–1841 (uppercase gothic); 1865–1866 (lowercase gothic); 1885–1886 (uppercase roman); 1902–1903 (uppercase cursive); 1927–1928 (uppercase gothic); 1952–1953 (uppercase sans-serif).

Before 1975 the letter changes in July, so most letters span two calendar years. Compare the case and typeface with the table; the letter alone does not settle it.

Candidates for B at Chester

Years	Letter style	Cycle	Note
1840–1841	uppercase gothic	Chester cycle
1865–1866	lowercase gothic	Chester cycle
1885–1886	uppercase roman	Chester cycle
1902–1903	uppercase cursive	Chester cycle	The letter often appears lying on its side.
1927–1928	uppercase gothic	Chester cycle
1952–1953	uppercase sans-serif	Chester cycle	The office closed on 24-8-1962.

Narrowing it down

Other marks and features on the piece can rule candidates out: see dating jewelry by construction features and the other UK hallmarks.

The letter B at other offices: London, Birmingham, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Glasgow.

All Chester cycles

Frequently asked

What year is the letter B on a Chester hallmark?

It depends on the shape of the letter: 1840–1841 (uppercase gothic); 1865–1866 (lowercase gothic); 1885–1886 (uppercase roman); 1902–1903 (uppercase cursive); 1927–1928 (uppercase gothic); 1952–1953 (uppercase sans-serif).

Sources

All sources are listed with the method on the sources page.