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In this Forum we discuss the silver of the United Kingdom, as well as British Colonial silver and Old Sheffield Plate. Past British - Irish Sterling topics/threads worth a look. |
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In this Forum we discuss the silver of the United Kingdom, as well as British Colonial silver and Old Sheffield Plate. Past British - Irish Sterling topics/threads worth a look. |
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 SMP Silver Salon Forums
 British / Irish Sterling
 Benjamin Smith
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| Author | Topic: Benjamin Smith |
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Russell Posts: 52 |
posted 10-06-2004 08:09 PM
  
Dear Group: I have a sterling silver (lion passant)salver, London, (Leopard's Head), dating to 1822 (letter "g") and (King's Head). The maker's mark is BS in a rectangle. According to Wyler's book on silver, the mark is probably that of Benjamin Smith. Can anyone tell me anything about him? Thanks. Russell Rudzwick IP: Logged |
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feniangirl Posts: 36 |
posted 10-06-2004 09:43 PM
There were three Benjamin Smiths (all silversmiths). I assume from the date of the salver that this would be Benjamin Smith III. According to Grimwade, he was the eldest son of Benjamin Smith II. Born October 6, 1793 near Birmingham. Apprenticed to his father in 1808 & freed in 1821. His first mark (1816) was in partnership with his father. His second mark, two years later, was his alone. He registered a third mark in 1822 - in two sizes and a fourth in 1837 again in two sizes. He died in 1850. That's about all there about him. IP: Logged |
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swarter Moderator Posts: 2920 |
posted 10-07-2004 01:39 PM
Posting a photograph of the mark may allow us to decide which of the three it is. IP: Logged |
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Russell Posts: 52 |
posted 10-07-2004 06:28 PM
Dear Group: Thank you feniangirl for the information. I have pasted photos of the salver and its hallmarks as per moderator Swarter's request. I hope they are acceptable. Thanks again. Russell  IP: Logged |
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Waylander Posts: 131 |
posted 10-08-2004 09:31 PM
Benjamin Smith's solo mark (the 1822 one) is featured in the full edition of Jackson's, p233. Looks identical as far as I am concerned. Waylander IP: Logged |
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Russell Posts: 52 |
posted 10-09-2004 09:56 AM
Dear Swarter and Scott, Thanks for the help with the photos! IP: Logged |
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swarter Moderator Posts: 2920 |
posted 10-09-2004 02:58 PM
The hallmarks are indeed London, 1822; the closest mark in Grimwade is No 230, for Benjamin Smith II, who has several similar marks, not illustrated, entered in 1812, 1814, 1818, and 1822. The mark shown for Benjamin Smith III, No 231, is in a conforming rectangle, not a straight one, and was not entered until 1837. [This message has been edited by swarter (edited 10-09-2004).] IP: Logged |
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akgdc Posts: 289 |
posted 10-09-2004 07:15 PM
It bears mentioning that Smiths I and II were among the best London goldsmiths of the Regency era, and had a long association with the famous form of Rundell, Bridge, and Rundell, to whom they supplied many important pieces. This salver looks like a typically high-quality Smith product, in their formal and somewhat heavy style. (However, one suspects that the engraving on its surface was added several decades after its original manufacture -- except for the central coat of arms, which appears earlier and more worn.) IP: Logged |
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agleopar Posts: 850 |
posted 10-11-2004 08:47 PM
Could the later engraving be a Victorian travesty of flat chasing around the original engraved crest? IP: Logged |
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Russell Posts: 52 |
posted 10-11-2004 09:37 PM
Hi All; I may very well be wrong, but I think the original coat of arms may have been erased, a second added at a later time and the engraved embellishments added in about the 1880's. The motto beneath the coat of arms reads "NUNQUAM NON PARATUS". The engraver of the coat of arms had a finer more delicate hand, the later embellishments were made by a coarser, bolder engraver. Russell IP: Logged |
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swarter Moderator Posts: 2920 |
posted 10-12-2004 02:09 PM
quote: According to Fairbairn's Crests the motto (which means "Always Prepared") was used by members of several families: Betton, Fairholm, Johnston, Johnstone, Johnstoun, Kerrick, Knight, Skinner. IP: Logged |
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