Dear Housten, the relavent uthority, is The Goldsmiths Hall. I think this is enough said. This is the ultimated body for Silver and Gold. Your question, "a preliminary opinion could be obtained without sending the piece." This body has marked and seen over silver and Gold for the last 1000 year, give or take a year. They are the finnal abetrator. The piece will be tested viewed and marks evaluated. If right, provinance, if wrong , CORRECTLY DESTROYED.
