Home

Silver Tableware

Silver Baskets &amp; Bowls

The firm had its origin in the mid-18th century coming into control of John William Thomas in 1848. After his death (1852) the firm was managed by his two sons, John William Thomas II (apprenticed to his father in 1840, obtained his freedom in 1847) and Francis Boone Thomas. Francis Boone Thomas was apprenticed to his father in 1847 and after his father's death was turned to his brother John William Thomas II, obtaining the freedom in 1854. The firm (trading as retail silversmiths) was known as J.W. Thomas &amp; Son or as J.W &amp; F.B. Thomas. After the death of John William Thomas II (circa 1862/1867) the control of the firm was assumed by Francis Boone Thomas. F.B. Thomas entered his first mark in 1874 listing at 153 New Bond Street as showrooms and 13 Oxford Market as manufactory.

In this period, the firm had deep links with Richard Sibley II (manufacturing Silversmith), who was active (1862/1880) at the same address of 13 Oxford Market acting, presumably, as manufacturer of finished articles retailed by Thomas (some pieces bear the inscription THOMAS besides Sibley's hallmark).

In c. 1896 entered in the partnership Charles Henry Townley (apprenticed to F.B. Thomas in 1864, obtained his freedom in 1871) and John William Thomas III (son of J.W. Thomas II, obtained freedom by patrimony in 1877). Both partners were nephews of F.B. Thomas. After the death of F.B. Thomas (1900) the firm continued to be managed by his two nephews and partners until c. 1919, when J.W. Thomas became the sole partner. After his death (1924) the firm was managed by his son until 1941 when the firm closed.

Francis Boone Thomas

Pair of Antique Silver Victorian Pierced Baskets made in 1887

This large business of manufacturing silversmiths, C.S. Harris &amp; Sons Ltd, is said to have been commenced by John Mark Harris, a spoon maker, in 1817.

He moved c. 1831 to 27 Nelson Street, City Road. It would appear that the firm was continued by John Robert Harris (probably J.M. Harris's son), who moved c.1842 to 29 Kirby Street, Hatton Garden (where he is listed from 1843 until 1852 as a silver spoon and fork manufacturer).

The business then passed c. 1852 to Charles Stuart Harris, who is listed from 1854 at 29 Kirby Street as an electro spoon and fork maker, electro plater and gilder, agent for plated wares (1856),  and silversmith. In 1885, he purchased the business of D.J. &amp; C. Houle (manufacturing silversmiths) from Charles Houle and the executors of his brother, Daniel John Houle, retaining their workshops at 24 Red Lion Street, Clerkenwell, EC. C.S. Harris opened additional manufacturing premises c. 1892 at 41 and 42 Hatton Garden, EC.

In 1897, the business was converted into a limited liability company under the style of C.S. Harris and Sons, Ltd. described as: "manufacturing gold and silversmiths; manufacturers of and dealers in gold and silver plate, wire and lace; dealers in gold and silver, diamonds and other precious metals and stones; electroplaters; silverers and jewellers etc", with premises at 41 and 42 Hatton Garden, 28 &amp; 29 Kirby Street, Hatton Garden and 23 and 24 Red Lion Street, Clerkenwell with the directors recorded as Henry Stuart Harris, Walter Stuart Harris, Edwin Stuart Harris, Alfred Stuart Harris and Frederick Stuart Harris. C.S. Harris &amp; Sons Ltd. were also in possession of premises at 13 &amp; 14 Bateman Street, Soho, acquired, probably in December 1897, from Arthur Stuart Harris and Ernst Stuart Harris, trading as Harris brothers. These were maintained until c. 1906.

C.S. Harris &amp; Sons Ltd continued in business until 1933/34, latterly giving up all their premises except those at 41 &amp; 42 Hatton Garden. They were subsequently incorporated into I Freeman &amp; Sons Ltd. manufacturing silversmiths and dealers in antique silver and plated wares of 23 Hatton Garden, EC. Fine makers who also manufactured for top-class London retailers who overstruck their makers mark with their own.

Charles Stuart Harris

Antique Silver Victorian Pierced Dish made in 1898

Antique Silver George III Old Sheffield Plate Basket made in c.1785

Henry Chawner became a freeman of the Goldsmiths’ Company on 7 December 1785 and entered his first mark as a plateworker on 11 November 1786. On 2 March 1789, he married Miss Hore, daughter and heiress of Edward Hore, of Esher, Surrey.

He entered into partnership with John Emes in 1796 and from about 1798 seems to have retired from silversmithing (he married well!) He seems to have had financial input into John Emes’ firm and then the Barnard Family. His hallmark is often seen on finely made teaware.

Chawner retired to the Manor House, Newton Valance, which, with the surrounding estate, he had purchased in 1810. He is said to have: “converted the old house into domestic offices and added thereto a villa, in the Grecian style. It contains a large collection of paintings and other works of art, amongst which is the Angouleme China vase, mounted in ormolu… The same that was rejected by George IV for whom it was ordered, in consequence of a small fire flaw which came in the burning.” Chawner died there in March, 1851.

Henry Chawner

Antique Silver George III Basket made in 1794

Peter, Ann &amp; William Bateman

Antique Silver George III Basket made in 1800

Antique Silver George III Basket made in 1790

First mark entered as largeworker in October 1747 at Aldersgate Street. Second mark - with an unnamed partner - as Samuel Herbert &amp; Co in November, 1750. His workshops by then were in Foster Lane.

A fine maker who specialised in hand pierced work notably on wine coasters, baskets and mustard pots.

Samuel Herbert &amp; Co

Antique Silver George II Cake Basket made in 1751, with Historic Interest referring to the Fleetwood Baronets and Earl of Eldon

<header class="entry-header">
<h1 class="entry-title">Carrington &amp; Co.</h1>
<h3>Founded 1873</h3>
</header>
<div class="row">
<div class="col s12 m8 offset-m2">
<div class="entry-content">

He was listed as a silversmith, goldsmith and jeweller working from the London premises of the Birmingham silversmiths G.R. Collis &amp; Co.  The business was re-styled Carrington &amp; Co in 1880 and the firm specialised in extra strong silver plate for use in restaurants, hotels and ships.

By the early 1890s Carrington were advertising themselves as jewellers, diamond merchants, dealers in precious stones and manufacturing silversmiths.  At this time the partners were John Carrington, William Carrington Smith and George Bruford.  They were awarded the Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria and would go on to gain the warrants of Prince Albert, Edward VII and George V, as well as Nicholas I and II and Queen Alexandra of Russia.  In 1893 they created the beautiful Dorset bow brooch for Queen Mary and in 1911 they set the famous Cullinan diamonds numbers III and IV into a brooch/ pendant for her, a jewel now owned by the Queen who affectionately refers to them as ‘Granny’s chips’.

John Carrington became Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company in 1903 and retired from his business in 1906 leaving W.C. Smith to continue as sole remaining partner.  Carrington co-authored a book ‘The Plate of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths’ which was published shortly before his death in 1926.  The firm was converted into a limited liability company in 1922 and was eventually bought out by the firm Collingwood.

</div>
</div>
</div>

Carrington of London

Sterling Silver Rose Bowl made in 1990

The firm was established in Birmingham c. 1850 by George Cartwright and Joseph Hirons, trading as Cartwright &amp; Hirons. In 1853, when Horace Woodward entered in the partnership, the firm changed to Cartwright, Hirons &amp; Woodward.

The firm was active as electroplate manufacturers and silversmiths at 138/139 Great Charles Street, Birmingham, with London showrooms at 41 Hatton Garden. In 1859, Joseph Hirons left the partnership and the firm changed its name to Cartwright &amp; Woodward.

In 1865, after George Cartwright's retirement, the business was continued by Horace Woodward under the name Horace Woodward &amp; Co. In 1883, Horace Woodward left the company and the business was continued by Edgar Finley and Hugh Taylor, maintaining the same name until 1893 when the firm was converted into a limited liability company as Horace Woodward &amp; Co Ltd. In the same year the production was transferred to Atlas Works, Paradise Street, Birmingham and additional premised were opened in 1903 at Vyse Street, Birmingham. In 1919, the firm was acquired by Adie Brothers Ltd.

The firm participated with success at  London (1851 and 1862), Paris (1867) and Melbourne (1881) Exhibitions.

Horace Woodward &amp; Co

Antique Silver Art Nouveau Comport made in 1905

A table dressed for dinner is a magnificent sight and sets the mood for a wonderful occasion. Splendid antique sterling silver centrepiece can set the scene

Silver Baskets & Bowls

Silver Baskets & Bowls

Filter