Birmingham has long been a powerhouse for silver and jewellery production. Until the late 18th century, silversmiths sent all their goods down to London to receive a hallmark. This was a costly, difficult, and slow process and was prone to robbery en route.
Matthew Boulton lobbied Parliament to open a local assay office. In 1773, Parliament approved a it. Silversmiths now sought a ‘town mark’ to stamp on their silver.
Birmingham chose an anchor, and since then all local silver bears that mark.