Assay Masters Gather in Edinburgh to Mark John Stirling’s Retirement from the British Hallmarking Council
Published: 20th April 2026
Left to right: Ashley Carson, Sheffield Assay Master: Scott Walter, Edinburgh Assay Master: John Stirling: Will Evans, London Assay Master: Doug Henry, previous Birmingham Assay Master.
Last week, all Assay Masters met in Edinburgh to mark the retirement of John Stirling from the British Hallmarking Council.
John served on the Council from 2012 to 2025, making a significant contribution to the UK hallmarking industry during his tenure.
His dedication and commitment, for over more than a decade, helped support and strengthen standards across the trade.
Having retired from the Council in the autumn of last year, the gathering in Edinburgh provided an opportunity for colleagues and industry leaders to recognise his years of service, reflect on his achievements, and thank him for his valuable contribution to British hallmarking.
The meeting was a fitting occasion to celebrate John’s career and the lasting impact he has made within the industry.
We extend our warmest wishes to John for a long, happy, and well-deserved retirement from the British Hallmarking Council.
The Sheffield Assay Office was established in 1773, under an Act of Parliament and today the company assays and hallmarks the precious metals - silver, gold, platinum and palladium. Sheffield Assay Office is one of only four UK assay offices who all work to uphold the Hallmarking Act of 1973 and continue to ensure consumer protection for customers purchasing precious metals.
To find out more about the whole range of services offered by Sheffield Assay Office, such as our hallmarking and analytical services, please email us at info@assayoffice.co.uk or complete the contact form on our website at http://www.assayoffice.co.uk/contact-us ,
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