Campaigners against ‘British’ hallmarking overseas have welcomed the launch of a consultation on the issue.
Critics of offshore stamping – currently practised by a sub-division of the Birmingham Assay Office in Mumbai – say it threatens the oldest form of consumer protection.
John Langford of the British Hallmarking Protection Alliance said: “The antiques trade should make their views known in no uncertain terms, or we are looking at the end of 700 years of hallmarking history.”