The term pseudo hallmark is conventionally used for 18th, 19th and early 20th century marks which either resemble marks from other makers, towns, countries and assay offices or are complete fantasy marks. These marks are found on reproductions made primarily in Hanau, Germany, but pseudo marks have been used extensively by Dutch and Italian reproducers as well as manufacturers from other German cities.

The legislative situation in Hanau, where no guild or any other hallmark laws were in place, allowed makers to stamp their items in any way they wanted. The makers of reproduction jewelry (and flatware) therefore stamped their items with a series of marks that would make their items resemble originals. Some makers went as far as copying marks from other makers, assay offices, etc, a practice that can be seen as outright deceptive. Others are just complete fantasy marks that often leave appraisers puzzled. There have been no records kept of these marks so identifying them is a difficult task. The reproduction industry of Hanau was quite an extensive one and its articles are well dispersed since sales representatives of the Hanau silver industry were to be found all over the world. The German reproduction industry was extensively promoted at most World Exhibitions in the 19th century.