Sheffield or Birmingham?

[Madhatterrus]

Hi,
I came across a ring with a strange set of hallmarks, it has both Sheffield crown and Birmingham anchor on a shank. I've never seen this before, can anyone tell me what might be the reason for double hallmarking? There is only one date letter, Gothic h, it can be found in both offices and I don't know how to date this ring.
Thanks for any help!

[dognose]

Hi,

Your ring was assayed at Birmingham in 1882. The Crown is a gold hallmark and not representative of the Sheffield Assay Office, at this date, as the Sheffield Assay Office was not authorised to assay gold until 1904. The Sheffield Crown is a silver mark only.

Trev.

[Madhatterrus]

Hi Trev,

Thank you so much for your reply, it does help a lot! Can you recommend any useful resource or books on English gold? I often struggle with a lack of systematic information on English goldsmiths and hallmarking rules.

Best regards,
Madhatterrus

[dognose]

Hi,

Jackson's Silver & Gold Marks (revised and enlarged edition) edited by Ian Pickford. Published by the Antique Collectors' Club.

Also if you can find a copy, The Law and Practice of Hall-Marking Gold and Silver Wares (Jewellers' and Pawnbrokers' edition) by J. Paul De Castro. Published by Crosby Lockwood and Son, is a very useful book.

Regards Trev.

[Madhatterrus]

Hi,

Jackson's Silver & Gold Marks (revised and enlarged edition) edited by Ian Pickford. Published by the Antique Collectors' Club.

Also if you can find a copy, The Law and Practice of Hall-Marking Gold and Silver Wares (Jewellers' and Pawnbrokers' edition) by J. Paul De Castro. Published by Crosby Lockwood and Son, is a very useful book.

Regards Trev.

Hi Trev,
Thank you once again! Will certainly look for De Castro.

Regards,
Madhatterrus