concept
Assay hallmark (proba)
hallmark
also: проба, proba
The assay stamp struck into gold or silver items to certify their purity, routinely checked by pawnbrokers and tavern-keepers before accepting an item as security -- Tikhon's practiced inspection of the pawned medallion.
Reading notes
- In Autumn §31 hallmark
Proba: the assay stamp struck into gold or silver to certify its purity, which a pawnbroker or tavern-keeper would check before accepting an item as security -- Tikhon's practiced, businesslike gesture.