What does the leopard head hallmark mean?
Short answer
Leopard's head: London Assay Office.
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 | leopard head |
| Class | Hallmark symbol |
Related stamps
Also in this group: lion passant, Britannia, anchor, rose, castle, crown, orb, sovereign head.
Frequently asked
What does leopard head mean on jewelry?
Leopard's head: London Assay Office.
Is the leopard head 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
- Hallmarking Act 1973, Schedule 2 (revised text)
- Hallmarking Guidance Notes, British Hallmarking Council and assay offices (Nov. 2022)
All sources are listed with the method on the sources page.