Antique Silver George III Salver made in 1791

Samuel Godbehere was not apprenticed through the Goldsmiths’ Company, nor was a Freeman of the Company.

He entered his first mark as plateworker in November 1784 at 86 Cheapside, succeeding James Stamp (goldsmith and jeweller).

Second mark, 27th November 1784.

Third mark in 1786 when Samuel Godbehere began the partnership with Edward Wigan, entering the new mark on 13th September.

Fourth mark still at 86 Cheapside, entered 14th August 1789.

Fifth mark, 26th July 1792.

Sixth mark, in partnership with Edward Wigan and James Bult, entered as S. Goodbehere & Co. 15th March 1800, when he signs as Goodbehere (as opposed to Godbehere in the first entries).

Seventh mark, in partnership with James Bult only, 16th September 1818. Address 86 Cheapside. This partnership was apparently dissolved by 13th July 1819, when Bult’s mark alone was entered.

Samuel Godbehere “of Cheapside, Goldsmith, married 13th November 1790, Miss Wood of Great George Street, Westminster” (the Gentleman’s Magazine p. 1052).

Heal records him as succeeding James Stamp, goldsmith and jeweller, 86 Cheapside, next Mercers’ Chapel 1784; with Wigan as plateworker, Cheapside 1786; and as Godbehere, Wigan & Co (late Mr. Stamp’s) working goldsmiths, at the same address, 1787 – 1796.

Godbehere had power of attorney to sign the entry of William Bottle’s mark, a Bath goldsmith, 6th March 1800, when he signs as “ALD” (Alderman) A. George Fred. Bult also had power of attorney in 1831 for James Burden of Bath, which suggests a long connection of the Cheapside establishment with Bath goldsmiths (perhaps as supplying the latter with London goods).

Edward Wigan, son of Thomas Wigan of the City of Bristol goldsmith, apprenticed to James Stamp of Cheapside goldsmith 2nd December 1772 on payment of £20. Free 1st March 1786.

First mark entered as plateworker, in partnership with Samuel Godbehere, 13th September 1786. Address 86 Cheapside, second mark (three sizes) with the same, 14th August 1789.

Third (three sizes) with the same, 26th July 1792.

Fourth mark, in partnership with Godbehere and James Bult as Goodbehere & Co, 15th March 1800. He disappears from the partnership by 16th September 1818, when Godbehere and Bult re-entered a new mark without his initials. His son, Edward, was apprenticed to him on 2nd December 1800.

It should be noted, that Bult had also been apprenticed to James Stamp in 1774, so the two partners had been together long before the entry of their joint mark.

Source:

Arthur G. Grimwade, London Goldsmiths (1697 – 1837)

John P. Fallon, Marks of London Goldsmiths and Silversmiths (1697 – 1837)