As to the silver marks as used in Germany a very good description was given in the site shown by Jason. This clearly states the how and werefores. The crown shown on the silver mark clearly is not correct. The half moon and crown was used throughout the Third Reich perriod, this is illistrated by the Wagner mark on the Silver Luftwaffe honour goblet. As to post 1945, this still is the mark employed. Thus Jaon, I think your input has clearly shown that the silver mark is not correct. To this the fact that it is cast is NOT CORRECT. This marking shows the quality and place of origin. No firm would be able to use a cast method to prove quality. Taking all these points into consideration, one has to question the whole. I show the explanation from the site to clarify the possition. In 1884 a law was enacted making .800 the minimum national standard for silver in Germany. In 1886 the use of individual city marks was abolished and replaced by the national mark (reichsmark) of a crescent moon & crown mark (Halbmond und Krone) representing the entire German state. These marks became compulsory by 1888.
The crown & crescent moon are used in conjunction with a maker's mark and a decimal silver standard mark.
Common silver standards are .800 & .835 __ .830, .900, .925 and .935 purities are also used.
