Optional marks.
Please note that the marks/symbols below are merely an artist’s impression and should not be interpreted as a technically correct blueprint.
Traditional Marks
Commemorative Marks
1966 Jubilee Mark – marking the golden jubilee of the 1916 Rising
An Cladheamh Solals (The Sword of Light) This mark was stamped in addition to the existing hallmarks used by the Assay Office on all Irish made articles of gold and silver other than jewellery and watch cases assayed during the year 1966. The mark commemorated the golden jubilee of the 1916 Rising. The following are the hallmarks as used in 1966 on sterling silver.
1973 - Ireland’s entry into the European Community
To commemorate the historic significance of the decision of the Irish people which will result in Ireland’s entry into the European Community on 1 January 1973, the Company of Goldsmiths of Dublin has authorized the striking of a special mark to be put on all Irish made articles of gold and silver other than jewellery and watch cases manufactured and hallmarked during the period 1 January to 31 December 1973 – the first year of entry.
1987 - The Company of Goldsmiths 350th Anniversary
To denote the 350th Anniversary of the founding of the Company of Goldsmiths, the Company authorized the striking of a special mark to be put on all items of Irish manufactured gold, silver and platinum other than jewellery and watch cases manufactured and hallmarked during the period 1 January to 31 December 1987. The mark consists of a shield from the Coat of Arms of the Company. It is quartered with the emblem of the Harp in the first and fourth quarters and a covered cup with two buckles in the second and third quarter.
1988 – The Dublin City Millennium
To denote the Dublin City Millennium, the Company authorized the striking of a special mark to be put on all items of Irish manufactured gold, silver and platinum other than jewellery and watch cases manufactured and hallmarked during the period 1 January to 31 December 1988. The mark consists of a rectangular shield with corners chamfered containing three castles.
1999/2000 – The Millennium
To denote the Millennium, the Company authorized the striking of a special mark to be put on all items of Irish manufactured gold, silver and platinum other than jewellery and watch cases manufactured and hallmarked during the period 1 July 1999 to 31 December 2000. The mark consists of a rectangular shield with corners chamfered containing the “M2” design. The 2 and the M blend together signifying the transition between the two millennia in a crisp modern style.
1916 Rising Centenary
To denote the Centenary of the 1916 Rising, the Company authorized the striking of a special mark to be put on all items of Irish manufactured gold, silver and platinum within the period July 2015 – December 2016.
1922 – Establishment of the Irish Free State
To denote the Centenary of the establishment of the Irish Free State, the Company authorized the striking of a special mark to be put on all items of gold, silver, platinum and palladium within the period July 2021 to December 2022. The mark consists of a slightly simplified depiction of Brian Boru’s harp, the official emblem of the Irish State with the dates 1922 and 2022 thereon.
The Date Letter
In 1638 a date letter system began with the foundation of the Dublin Goldsmiths Company. This date latter denotes the year in which a piece was made or hallmarked and is changed now on 1 January each year. The date letter “A” is for the year 2011. On 1 January 2011 the 17th alphabetical cycle since the foundation of the Company began.
Additional information
If you would like to learn more about hallmarks or if you require additional information on any of the services provided by the Dublin Assay Office please don't hesitate to get in touch.