Hi thank you for writing in with the following hallmark question:
"I have a piece of gold hallmarked A Bros (this would appear to be in a triangular shape - it has a large A centrally with bros on the right hand slope of the A - and may have had Ltd down the right hand side).
It also has a horizontal anchor in a square with another square next to it containing an X. The only other hallmarks are a 9 and .375. just wondered how old it is and where it came from as I think it may be a bit old as it's been in the family for years."
This a Birmingham maker's mark - it will usually be on silver though. There is a lot of confusion about the anchor on its side . The vertical anchor is town mark for Birmingham. It is where the piece was assayed. Also it's not uncommon to find jewelry on which the anchor appears on its side and unless it is a pseudo British hallmark it usually means the piece is gold. This piece is also stamped with carat marking to dispel any doubts. The decimal point before the carat mark .375 indicates the piece is older than 1931.
The Birmingham maker is - Adie Brothers Birmingham, UK - ca 1920s - 1940s
