* base hallmark
The TOMBAC hallmark: meaning, purity & value
Tombac: copper-zinc alloy with high copper content (~85%). Used in historical European jewelry imitating gold and in non-precious decorative work.
Published May 30, 2026
Quick facts
- Metal
- base
- Common regions
- EU-historic
Stamps that mean the same thing
This purity may be struck into jewelry as any of: TOMBAC / TOMBAK. The mark differs by country and era, but the metal content is identical.
What TOMBAC tells you
Tombac: copper-zinc alloy with high copper content (~85%). Used in historical European jewelry imitating gold and in non-precious decorative work.
How to check it yourself
- Examine the stamp under a 10× loupe — genuine marks are crisp and evenly struck, not doubled or smeared.
- Confirm the mark reads TOMBAC or an equivalent such as TOMBAK.
- Photograph it in the Jewelry Identifier app to read the metal, hallmark, and any gemstones from the image.
- For a binding result, have an assay office or gemological lab run an XRF purity test.
* Frequently asked
FAQ
- Q. Is TOMBAC the same as TOMBAK?
- A. Yes. TOMBAC, TOMBAK all denote the same material — base. Different markets and eras stamp it differently, but the purity is identical.
- Q. How do I confirm a TOMBAC stamp is genuine?
- A. Look at the mark under 10× magnification for crisp, even strikes, cross-check the weight-to-volume ratio against the expected density, scan it with the Jewelry Identifier app, and — when it matters — have an XRF test done by an assay office or gemological lab.
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