Exeter Hallmarks
The Exeter assay office was established by Act of Parliament in 1701. It became the assay office of choice for the goldsmiths and silversmiths, not only of Exeter itself, but also other parts of Devon and the neighbouring counties of Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall. The Exeter town mark is based on the arms of the city, being variations on a triple-towered castle.
The first date letter, A, continued in use until 7th August 1702. The date letter changed either on the anniversary of that date or on the day of election of new wardens for the following year.
Assaying declined during the third quarter of the 19th century and the assay office finally closed in 1883.