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- York Assay Office
* Assay office
York Assay Office: hallmarks, history, and town mark
One of the earliest provincial English assay offices. Closed 1858. Pieces with York marks date pre-1858.
Published May 30, 2026
Quick facts
- Operator
- York Assay Office (closed)
- Location
- York, United Kingdom
- Founded
- 1560
- Status
- Closed 1858
- Town mark
- Cross with five lions passant
About the York Assay Office
One of the earliest provincial English assay offices. Closed 1858. Pieces with York marks date pre-1858.
The town mark
The York Assay Office strikes a distinctive symbol — Cross with five lions passant. 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.
* Frequently asked
FAQ
- Q. Where is the York Assay Office?
- A. It is based in York, United Kingdom. It is run by York Assay Office (closed).
- Q. Is the York Assay Office still operating?
- A. No. It closed in 1858, having operated since 1560. A piece bearing its mark therefore predates 1858.
- Q. What hallmark symbol does the York Assay Office use?
- A. Its town mark is cross with five lions passant. 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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