A test strike of the 2024 combination mark for 925 silver into an aluminium block - © Chris Mann
Hallmarking is one of the worlds oldest continuous forms of consumer protection. It can trace its origins to medieval England and the reign of Henry II, and takes its name from Goldsmiths’ Hall, the site of the UK’s first Assay Office which opened for business in the City of London during 1478.
These once secret marks offers consumers, retailers and the trade assurance that objects made from precious metals have been independently scientifically tested (assayed), and tells them what and object is made from, when it was made, who sent it to be hallmarked (the sponsor), and which of the four independent UK Assay Offices tested and marked it.
On Thursday 23 October 2025 join the Goldsmiths’ Company’s Library and Archive team to learn about the history, meaning and purpose of these once cryptic marks through objects and documents in their collections, during this exclusive Archive Experience at Goldsmiths’ Hall, in the City of London.
Visitors will come face to face with objects and documents that have played an important part in the living history of Hallmarking at the London Assay Office, including original mark plates from the 1770s, and the earliest surviving register of sponsor marks from 1697, and a selection of historic punches and tools!
This exclusive Archive Experience will be held in the Library Reading Room, capacity is limited to 10 people, and tickets are priced at £25 per person.
Proceeds will go towards ensuring more young people across the UK have free access to vital creative education, through Goldsmiths’ Giving, a charitable partnership between The Goldsmiths’ Company and the National Saturday Club.
Please sign up to our newsletter to be notified when Tickets for the “Archive Experience: The (not so) Secret World of Hallmarking - Session Two” go on sale.
Terms & Conditions
Tickets for “Archive Experience: The (not so) Secret World of Hallmarking” are priced at £25 per person and are non-refundable.
Tickets must be booked in the name of the person who is attending - photo ID that matches the name on the booking will be required to gain entry.
Security & bag policy
Goldsmiths’ Hall operates Airport style enhanced security procedures for all public events - these include a bag scanner and a security arch. Suitcases and items larger than a laptop bag are not permitted inside the building. Our cloakroom, situated downstairs, can be used free of charge for coats, bags and umbrellas.
Disabled access to Goldsmiths’ Hall
The main entrance to Goldsmiths’ Hall is on Foster Lane and may not be suitable for visitors who require step-free access. Those who are require level access from street level should ring the bell on Carey Lane, for assistance and access by lift. If you have any concerns or questions about visiting the building, please email us.
The Library Reading Room is on the first floor, and can be accessed by lift from within the ground floor lobby.