A new digital project to chronicle the archives of Assay Office Birmingham has been launched online.
The initiative, made possible by a £70,900 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, showcases the Jewellery Quarter's office's historical silver, coin and library collections to the wider public.
Visitors to the digital archive can search the 1,700-item silver collection, its coins, medals, historic dies and library of 5,500 books, catalogues and drawings dating back to the 17th century.
As well as making the collection more accessible for students, researchers and the public, the electronic catalogue and website will bring previously uncatalogued items to light including a Second World War fire warden's uniform, architects' plans of the Assay Office's Newhall Street building and historic paintings.
The Assay Office was founded in 1773 by industrial pioneer Matthew Boulton and its verification anchor mark has been struck on more than 125 million articles this century.
Last year, it sold its base in Newhall Street to move to a new, purpose-built home in Icknield Street , also in the Jewellery Quarter.
