It all started in a pub......

Why the anchor hallmark and the importance of 

silver hallmarks on YARD-O-LED Pens and Pencils

The anchor became Birmingham’s hallmark in 1773 when the Birmingham and Sheffield assay offices were established. A meeting in a London pub "The Crown and Anchor " led to the toss of a coin as to who and what marks were to be taken.  Birmingham got the anchor, and Sheffield the crown. The anchor endures today, symbolising the city’s silversmithing heritage.

When you purchase a Yard-O-Led pen or pencil, you’re not just buying a writing instrument—you’re acquiring a piece of British heritage. Crafted from solid sterling silver, each Yard-O-Led piece carries a distinct hallmark from the Birmingham Assay Office, a symbol of authenticity, quality, and timeless craftsmanship.

The Birmingham Assay Office, founded in 1773, is one of the oldest and most respected assay offices in the world. Its role is to test and certify the purity of precious metals, ensuring items marked as sterling silver (92.5% pure) genuinely meet this standard. Every Yard-O-Led pen and pencil undergoes this rigorous process before receiving its hallmark—a small series of stamped symbols that tell a fascinating story.

But why is the hallmark so important?

For collectors and aficionados, the hallmark is a guarantee of quality. It verifies that your Yard-O-Led pen is made from genuine sterling silver and not simply silver-plated or imitation. It also identifies the maker’s mark, typically a distinctive symbol registered to Yard-O-Led, the fineness mark (.925), the anchor symbol representing the Birmingham Assay Office, and the date letter, which is the key to uncovering your pen’s age.

The date letter changes annually and follows a unique cycle of typefaces, letter shapes, and cases. For example, a lowercase “a” in a particular font might signify the year 2000, while a capital “C” in another style might indicate 2023. By referencing the Birmingham Assay Office’s hallmarking charts, you can accurately date your Yard-O-Led writing instrument, adding a deeper layer of appreciation and provenance.

This ability to date a pen or pencil is particularly valuable for collectors and gift buyers, turning a Yard-O-Led piece into a meaningful memento for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or corporate achievements. It also enhances the resale value, especially for vintage or limited-edition models.

In a world where mass production is the norm, the hallmark on a Yard-O-Led pen represents a rare dedication to tradition, quality, and integrity. It’s not just a tool—it’s a testament to fine British silversmithing, proudly bearing the mark of Birmingham’s centuries-old legacy.

So, next time you hold your Yard-O-Led pen, take a moment to admire that tiny hallmark. It’s more than just a mark—it’s a signature of history.