Glossary · Case & Dial
Import mark
An assay mark applied to foreign gold and silver cases on entry to a market.
Explanation
Import marks are assay marks struck on foreign gold and silver cases entering a market — Britain, for example, required imported watch cases to be assayed from 1842 and struck distinctive import marks from 1867 (revised in 1904–07), with marks (such as the 'F' shield) differing from domestic hallmarks. They date the import, which is usually close to but not always the same as the date of manufacture.
In the object catalogue
Catalogued objects whose own source record mentions “Import mark”. The quoted line shows where; it is the seller’s or museum’s wording, not independent verification.
Wristwatch
Audemars Piguet 18K Gold Manual Wind Wristwatch
“This is an Audemars Piguet 18K gold manual wind wristwatch bearing a London import mark for 1957. It features a 27mm square case of brushed and polished form, numbered 11821, en…”
Pocket watch
S Smith & Sons 9ct Gold Full Hunter Pocket Watch
“Case Hallmarks: London import marks and 9:375 for 9ct gold”
Pocket watch
Tavannes Watch Co. 9K gold keyless wind full hunter pocket watch
“Hallmark Date: London Import mark for 1919”
Wristwatch
J.W. Benson Sub Seconds Cushion/Square Watch
“Import mark: FF import mark and K Date Hallmark”
Pocket watch
Omega 18ct gold half-hunting cased pocket watch retailed by Weir & Sons
“This gentleman's keyless-wind half-hunting pocket watch features an 18ct gold case measuring 4.7 cm in diameter, bearing London import marks for 1910. The source reports a signe…”
Clock
French Silver Mantel Clock
“This French silver-cased mantel clock is a timepiece of early 20th-century manufacture. The case is constructed from silver and is shaped with curved, decorative feet and comple…”