British Silver Hallmarks

Learning hallmarks can be a challenge. With software from vpsware.co.nz this can be fun. The software displays a set of hallmarks for you and your task is to enter the correct year. The more often you use the software the more familiar you become with interpretting the hallmarks.

Birmingham is identified by the anchor symbol. This assay office was founded by Act of Parliament in 1773 and has grown to become the largest assay office in the world.

Edinburgh is identified by a castle symbol and has been applying hallmarks since as far back as 1457. The hallmarks software covers the period from 1705 onward. In 1681 the first Assay Master was appointed.

London is identified by a leopards, head. This symbol has been in continuous use since 1300

Sheffield is identified by a crown symbol. This symbol has been in use since the creation of the assay office in 1773.