What does the castle hallmark mean?
Short answer
Castle: Edinburgh Assay Office (a three-towered castle is also the mark of Exeter, closed 1883).
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).
The stamp in detail
| Item | What the tables say |
|---|---|
| Stamp | castle |
| Class | Hallmark symbol |
Related stamps
Also in this group: lion passant, Britannia, leopard head, anchor, rose, crown, orb, sovereign head.
Frequently asked
What does castle mean on jewelry?
Castle: Edinburgh Assay Office (a three-towered castle is also the mark of Exeter, closed 1883).
Is the castle 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.