Crosswords10 mins ago
Hallmarks
3 Answers
Why is the Birmingham assay (I believe it's called) mark on precious metal in the form of an anchor when Birmingham is miles from the sea?
Answers
The story is that when Sheffield and Birmingham silversmiths were lobbying in London to have their own assay marks they stayed at the Crown and Anchor tavern. When they were granted the right they tossed a coin to decide who would use the crown ( Sheffield ) and who would use the anchor ( Birmingham ).
18:04 Thu 18th Mar 2010
The story is that when Sheffield and Birmingham silversmiths were lobbying in London to have their own assay marks they stayed at the Crown and Anchor tavern. When they were granted the right they tossed a coin to decide who would use the crown ( Sheffield ) and who would use the anchor ( Birmingham ).