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* Assay office
Sheffield Assay Office: hallmarks, history, and town mark
Established by same 1773 Act as Birmingham. Historically focused on silver (Sheffield silversmithing tradition). Changed gold mark from crown to rose in 1975.
Published May 30, 2026
Quick facts
- Operator
- The Sheffield Assay Office
- Location
- Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Founded
- 1773
- Status
- Active
- Town mark
- Tudor rose (since 1975 for both gold and silver; previously a crown for gold)
About the Sheffield Assay Office
Established by same 1773 Act as Birmingham. Historically focused on silver (Sheffield silversmithing tradition). Changed gold mark from crown to rose in 1975.
The town mark
The Sheffield Assay Office strikes a distinctive symbol — Tudor rose (since 1975 for both gold and silver; previously a crown for gold). 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
Beulah Road, Hillsborough, Sheffield S6 2AN
Official site: https://www.assayoffice.co.uk/
Sources
- Birmingham Assay Office Act 1773
- Wikidata Q7493316
* Frequently asked
FAQ
- Q. Where is the Sheffield Assay Office?
- A. It is based in Sheffield, United Kingdom — Beulah Road, Hillsborough, Sheffield S6 2AN. It is run by The Sheffield Assay Office.
- Q. Is the Sheffield Assay Office still operating?
- A. Yes. The Sheffield Assay Office, founded in 1773, is still assaying and hallmarking precious metal today.
- Q. What hallmark symbol does the Sheffield Assay Office use?
- A. Its town mark is tudor rose (since 1975 for both gold and silver; previously a crown for gold). 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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