Anchor, is it a date or makers hallmark?

I have seen the anchor stamped on more than one different brand of razors. I have tried to research about it but found zilch. Was it a hallmark used to date a razor or is it a makers hallmark, or both?

Thanks
Louis.

Wester Bros had their "Anchor Brand" but I've seen a W&B with a large anchor stamped in the tang and IIRC an American razor from way back. There was some significance to those marques and I don't remember what the details are. Someone will be along with the straight scoop, manah probably knows.

Here the approximate list of English cutlery companies with anchor/anchors on their stamps:
Alldays & Onions
William & Samuel Butcher
Eagle Sterling Co.
Gorham Corp.
Homan Mfg. Co.
Robert Renton
Derby Silver Co.
Fessenger & Co.
Gorham Corp.
Army & Navy Cooperative Society
Z. Bostwick
Anchor Silver Plate Co.
Derby Silver Co.
Lee & Wigfull
G.W. Parks Co.
William Rogers Mfg. Co.
Joseph Ash & Son
Isaac Silverston & Co.
Wells, Gallimore & Taylor, Ltd.

This's the coat of arms of Solingen:
http://manah.strazors.com/solingen.jpg
With such town coat of arms, there're a great number of companies with anchor/anchors on their stamps.
Till approximately WWII, the sea was the only source of trade. Cities were built near the water.
That's why, the anchors are used on the stamps very often. IMO.

Its not a hallmark - only precious metals were hallmarked.

Regards,
Neil

Neil, You're right.
But as I've understood, topic-starter speak about stamps/marks.

Alex, I was referring to the "...is it a date or makers hallmark..." in the title of the thread, that's all! Just wanted to clear up any confusion of what a hallmark is, as I have read other posts about assigning a city to the mark by reference to a list of assay marks, which is patently untenable.

Your list of makers marks is very interesting!

Regards,
Neil