Where is the Paris Assay Office (Garantie)?

It is based in Paris, France. It is run by Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects.

Is the Paris Assay Office (Garantie) still operating?

Yes. The Paris Assay Office (Garantie), founded in 1275, is still assaying and hallmarking precious metal today.

What hallmark symbol does the Paris Assay Office (Garantie) use?

Its town mark is minerva head (silver, 1st standard 950); eagle head for gold (1st standard 750); horse head (2nd standard); rhinoceros (3rd). That symbol identifies the office where a piece was tested for purity, so you can use it to trace where the item was assayed.

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Paris Assay Office (Garantie)

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Paris Assay Office (Garantie): hallmarks, history, and town mark

French national hallmarking system administered by Customs (Direction Générale des Douanes). Symbols: eagle head = 750 gold, owl = imports, Minerva head = 950 silver. Numeric within symbol = standard number.

Published May 30, 2026

Quick facts

Operator: Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects
Location: Paris, France
Founded: 1275
Status: Active
Town mark: Minerva head (silver, 1st standard 950); eagle head for gold (1st standard 750); horse head (2nd standard); rhinoceros (3rd)

About the Paris Assay Office (Garantie)

The town mark

The Paris Assay Office (Garantie) strikes a distinctive symbol — Minerva head (silver, 1st standard 950); eagle head for gold (1st standard 750); horse head (2nd standard); rhinoceros (3rd). This town mark identifies where a piece was assayed, so spotting it on a ring, chain, or piece of silverware tells you which office tested and guaranteed its metal content.

Visit / official record

Official site: https://www.douane.gouv.fr/

Sources

French Code Général des Impôts

* Frequently asked

FAQ

Q. Where is the Paris Assay Office (Garantie)?: A. It is based in Paris, France. It is run by Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects.
Q. Is the Paris Assay Office (Garantie) still operating?: A. Yes. The Paris Assay Office (Garantie), founded in 1275, is still assaying and hallmarking precious metal today.
Q. What hallmark symbol does the Paris Assay Office (Garantie) use?: A. Its town mark is minerva head (silver, 1st standard 950); eagle head for gold (1st standard 750); horse head (2nd standard); rhinoceros (3rd). That symbol identifies the office where a piece was tested for purity, so you can use it to trace where the item was assayed.

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