Lapped Border: A technique of rolling the edge of silver and spinning it under, giving it the effect of a rounded
edge. Also called a rolled edge.
edge. Also called a rolled edge.
Let-in Shield: A solid silver plate that was affixed to Sheffield Plate items for the purpose of engraving so the
underlying copper would not show through. Also called Silver Shield.
underlying copper would not show through. Also called Silver Shield.
Lacquering: A clear coating applied to sterling objects to prevent tarnishing.
Lion Passant: The English walking lion mark used in hallmarking guaranteeing
sterling silver purity. First used in this manner in 1544. The mark shown on the
right is the Lion Passant used after 1822; the one on the left is the Lion Passant
Guardant (lion looking to the left), used before 1822.
sterling silver purity. First used in this manner in 1544. The mark shown on the
right is the Lion Passant used after 1822; the one on the left is the Lion Passant
Guardant (lion looking to the left), used before 1822.
Lion Rampant: The Scottish standing lion mark used in hallmarking guaranteeing sterling silver purity used
beginning in 1975.
beginning in 1975.
Liner: An item, usually of porcelain or glass, which fits snugly inside an article of silver. In some
instances, such as with a salt cellar or mustard pot, the liner is used as a barrier to prevent the acidic
foods from touching the silver and causing corrosion. Liners are also found accompanying reticulated
items such as a vase or basket to act as a container and show off the decorative silver piercework.
instances, such as with a salt cellar or mustard pot, the liner is used as a barrier to prevent the acidic
foods from touching the silver and causing corrosion. Liners are also found accompanying reticulated
items such as a vase or basket to act as a container and show off the decorative silver piercework.
Loaded: An object that is filled with cement, plaster, or other heavy
substance to provide stability as in the case of many manufactured
20th century candlesticks or comports. Also called filled.
substance to provide stability as in the case of many manufactured
20th century candlesticks or comports. Also called filled.
Lazy Susan: A revolving stand, used to hold condiments, that is placed in the center of the table.
Loth System: A system for indicating the purity of silver where silver is divided into 16 parts. Used
primarily on German, Polish, and Austrian silver before 1886, the numbers indicate fineness as follows:
primarily on German, Polish, and Austrian silver before 1886, the numbers indicate fineness as follows:
15 = .937
14 = .875
13 = .812
12 = .750
14 = .875
13 = .812
12 = .750
Larding Pin: An oversized needle onto which is threaded a piece of bacon and then used to insert the bacon into
meat.
meat.
Lorgnette: Spectacles with an attached handle. A fashionable lady in the 19th century would wear
a lorgnette around the neck with an attached chain or ribbon. They were considered more of a piece
of jewelry than an aid to vision.
a lorgnette around the neck with an attached chain or ribbon. They were considered more of a piece
of jewelry than an aid to vision.
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Laxey Silver: A trade name used by Daniel & Arter Globe Nevada Silver Works of
Birmingham, England, given to wares made of silver-colored alloys. Has no silver content.
Birmingham, England, given to wares made of silver-colored alloys. Has no silver content.