What does the anchor hallmark mean?
Short answer
Anchor: Birmingham Assay Office (from 1773; gold from 1824).
An anchor also appears in American maker’s marks (Gorham): the other marks decide.
The stamp in detail
| Item | What the tables say |
|---|---|
| Stamp | anchor |
| Class | Hallmark symbol |
| Date clue | Not before 1773. The Birmingham office was founded in 1773. |
Cautions
- An anchor also appears in American maker’s marks (Gorham): the other marks decide.
- A mark is a statement, not proof: it can be forged or struck on a plated piece. An assay confirms it (touchstone and acids, or X-ray fluorescence).
Related stamps
Also in this group: lion passant, Britannia, leopard head, rose, castle, crown, orb, sovereign head.
Frequently asked
What does anchor mean on jewelry?
Anchor: Birmingham Assay Office (from 1773; gold from 1824).
Is the anchor mark proof of the metal?
A mark is a statement, not proof: it can be forged or struck on a plated piece. An assay confirms it (touchstone and acids, or X-ray fluorescence).
Sources
All sources are listed with the method on the sources page.