Postby oel » Wed Sep 17, 2014 7:10 pm
Hi,
Austria domestic silver hallmarks used 1922-2001. In 1922, after Austria became an independent country, the four silver standard hallmarks, as with gold, were redesigned. The core image of the first three standards the hoopoe bird’s head facing right. The core image of the 4th standard, as on your image, is the head of a toucan facing left, the regional assay office letter W is for Wien/Vienna. The four standards used 935, lowered to 925 in the year 2000, 900, 835 and 800
As of April 2001, Austrian hallmarking requires that a registered maker’s mark, or responsibility mark, be in a prescribed frame-shape with the manufacturer’s or maker’s trademark, name, or initials. Currently, the self marking requirements states that articles must be stamped with the maker’s mark, a precious metal designation (Au,Ag, Pt ) and a three-digit numeral mark indicating the fineness.The toucan never has been replaced and used 1922-2001.
Oel.
Ref;World Hallmarks Volume I Europe 19th to 21st Centuries