Anchor Symbol on Silver or Jewelry
An anchor struck on British silver or gold is the town mark of the Birmingham Assay Office, in use since the office opened in 1773. It appears alongside a fineness mark (such as 925), a date letter, and a maker's mark. The anchor's orientation and its shield outline changed over time, which helps date a piece.
Anchors appear outside the British system too: anchor devices feature in some Italian and American maker's marks, and on costume pieces as a decorative motif. The distinction is context — a Birmingham anchor is always part of a structured hallmark group, never alone.
Marks featuring a anchor
- UK Hallmark SystemJewelry hallmark
The UK hallmarking system is one of the oldest and most comprehensive consumer protection systems in the world. British hallmarks certify the type and purity of precious metals and are applied by one of four assay offices.
- Anchor Hallmark (Birmingham)Jewelry hallmark
The anchor is the assay office mark of the Birmingham Assay Office, one of four operating assay offices in the United Kingdom. It indicates that the piece was tested and hallmarked in Birmingham.
- What Does an Anchor Mark Mean on Silver?Stamp meaning
An anchor mark on silver is the hallmark of the Birmingham Assay Office in England. It identifies the piece as having been tested and certified for precious metal content in Birmingham, the world's busiest assay office.
Not sure what this mark means?
Upload a photo — we'll compare it to known markings.
Frequently asked questions
My silver has an anchor but no other marks — is it Birmingham?
Probably not. A genuine Birmingham hallmark always includes at least a fineness mark and maker's mark alongside the anchor. A lone anchor is more likely a maker's logo or decorative stamp.
Why did Birmingham choose an anchor for an inland city?
Tradition holds that the founding meetings for the Birmingham and Sheffield offices took place at the Crown & Anchor tavern in London — Birmingham took the anchor and Sheffield took the crown (later replaced by the Yorkshire rose).