In celebration of the Goldsmiths’ Company’s 700th anniversary, the London Assay Office (LAO) has unveiled a special leopard’s head commemorative mark – available exclusively to its customers throughout 2027 – with all proceeds from its application donated to the Silversmiths' and Jewellers' Charity, and The Benevolent Society.
A steel punch of the Goldsmiths’ Company 700th Anniversary commemorative mark, designed by Fred Wyver for The London Assay Office - Image © Chris Mann/The London Assay Office
The London Assay Office has unveiled a special commemorative mark to celebrate the Goldsmiths’ Company’s 700th Anniversary
Designed by Fred Wyver, the mark draws inspiration from historical Leopards’ Head marks applied as a component of the hallmark by the Company and the London Assay Office over the last seven centuries
Available exclusively at the London Assay Office, the 700th Anniversary mark can be applied in sizes from 0.75mm to 6mm by laser and from 1mm to 6mm by punch
Throughout 2027, customers will be able to request the 700th Anniversary mark in addition to their hallmark at a cost of £1 per application
For every 700th anniversary mark applied the LAO will donate 50p to the Silversmiths' and Jewellers' Charity and 50p to The Benevolent Society – fully, and directly supporting people working in our trade and craft in their times of need through its application
In celebration of the Goldsmiths’ Company’s 700th anniversary, the London Assay Office (LAO) has unveiled a special leopard’s head commemorative mark that will be available throughout 2027. Designed by London Assay Office workshop engineer, Fred Wyver, the mark draws inspiration from Leopard's Head marks applied in London over the last seven centuries.
"The design of the mark is a modern re-imagining of historical marks used by the company. Research and study of surviving examples of the Leopard's head mark from as early as the 1500s inspired the design, which reinstates lost features like the Leopard's mane and its crown, originally added in 1478, and removed in 1821 to catch out forgers. I tried to capture the charm and warmth of those earliest marks, whose expressions range from regal to openly humorous, and which were rendered with all the idiosyncrasies of the technology of the time." – Fred Wyver
While commemorative marks are uncommon – with just eight issued by the British Hallmarking Council and its predecessors over the last 90 years – the Goldsmiths’ Company 700th Anniversary mark is unique in that it is both issued by, and available exclusively through the London Assay Office.
“Since the grant of our first royal charter in 1327, the Goldsmiths’ Company has proudly ensured the quality of precious metals, applying the leopards head to each and every item that comes up to scratch. The 700th Anniversary commemorative mark gives those working with precious metals the chance to join in with the celebrations by adding a unique variant of our world-famous leopard’s head alongside their hallmark throughout 2027. Beyond participating in a culturally significant moment, by choosing to apply the mark, sponsors will be directly supporting the work of The Silversmiths & Jewellers Charity and The Benevolent Society, two important organisations that help those working in our trade and craft during their times of need.” – Will Evans, Director of The London Assay Office.
For every 700th anniversary mark applied the LAO will donate 50p to the Silversmiths' and Jewellers' Charity and 50p to The Benevolent Society – fully and directly supporting people working in our trade and craft through every application.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Goldsmiths’ Company for choosing to support The Benevolent Society through this special commemorative mark. The Society has a long history of supporting individuals and families from across the jewellery and allied trades when they need it most, and this generous initiative will help us continue that vital work. It is particularly meaningful that, through the commemorative mark, the trade will be celebrating a special occasion while also giving back to its own community.” – Gay Penfold, Chair, The Benevolent Society.
“The Silversmiths & Jewellers Charity is delighted and honoured to be associated with this special commemorative mark. As we approach our 200th anniversary in 2027, it is particularly meaningful to be supported by an organisation so closely connected to the history of our charity. We are extremely grateful to the London Assay Office for its generosity, which will help us continue to make a real difference to those in our industry who need and indeed rely on our support.” – Antony Vanderpump, Chair, The Silversmiths & Jewellers Charity
London Assay Office customers will be able to request the 700th Anniversary commemorative mark alongside their hallmark from Tuesday 5 January 2027.