UK hallmarks are assigned by the Assay Offices, of which there are currently four: London, Sheffield, Birmingham and Edinburgh. Modifications to the 1973 Hallmarking Act in 1999 changed the way articles made of precious metals are hallmarked. The UK hallmark now comprises a minimum of three compulsory symbols: a makers (or sponsors) mark; a purity mark; and the assay office mark.

The compulsory Assay Office marks appear as follows:

London: A leopard's head

Sheffield: A rose

Birmingham: An anchor

Edinburgh: A castle with 3 turrets

The compulsory purity marks appear as follows:

An oval disc with one of the following numbers inside:

800 for 80% silver content (often called Continental Silver)

925 for 92.5% silver content (often called Sterling Silver)

958 for 95.8% silver content (often called Britannia Silver)

999 for 99.9% silver content (often called Fine Silver)

The compulsory maker's or sponsor's mark vary and appear as one more letters within a shield.

There are other marks (known as Voluntary Marks) that can be applied to the item. The following list explains some of them:

Date mark: Curently a single letter within an octagonal shape. The letter for 2007 is a lower-case 'h'

Common Control Mark: A set of scales with a purity number (eg 925) set in the middle. This is an international mark.

Commemorative Marks: These vary, depending on the occasion (eg Queen's Head for her Golden Jubilee)

Hope this was helpful! If so, please vote below!