Some Known British Journeymen Silversmiths and Other Employees
Re: Some Known Journeymen Silversmiths
The Apprentices of Thomas Watson of Newcastle
Thomas Robinson (I) Son of Thomas Robinson, Blacksmith of Gateshead, Co. Durham. Indentured to Robert Scott (II) for a period of seven years as from 8th August 1791. Upon Scott's demise in 1793 he was accepted by Watson to finish his term. He was did not become free of the Company until 6th December 1831. Warden of the Company twice. Married Eleanor Mills 23rd September 1800. Died June 1853, aged 76/77 years.
Joseph Watson Son of Joseph Watson, Clog maker of Elsdon, Northumberland. Half brother to Thomas. Indentured for a period of seven years as from 12th February 1794. Free of the Newcastle Company 3rd May 1809. Warden of the Company five times. Married Dorothy Dodd 25th October 1804. Died April 1816, aged 37 years.
Francis Somerville (II) Son of Francis Somerville (I), Silversmith of Newcastle. Indentured for a period of seven years as from 20th February 1799. Free of the Company 1st August 1815. Warden of the Company ten times. Served as Assay Master at Newcastle from 6th December 1831 until his death in December 1854, aged 68 years. He never married.
Joseph Walker Son of James Walker, Yeoman of Byron's Leap, Chester-le-Street, Co. Durham. Indentured for a period of seven years as from 10th January 1801.
William Best Son of William Best, Yeoman of Newcastle. Indentured for a period of seven years as from 2nd August 1803. Free of the Company 19th August 1847. Dead by 1874.
Francis Sanderson Son of George Sanderson, Farmer of Shilverton, Northumberland. Indentured for a period of seven years as from 9th January 1807. Free of the Company 27th November 1826 and served as Warden to the Company nine times. Emigrated to Australia in 1852 and died there in 1863 aged 71 years.
James Walkinshaw Son of James Walkinshaw, Tailor of Newcastle. Indentured for a period of seven years as from 3rd October 1808. Free of the Company 27th November 1826 and served as Warden eight times.
John Miller Son of William Miller, Yeoman of Newcastle. Indentured for a period of seven years as from 28th December 1809. Free of the Company 6th December 1831. Thought to have died in April 1838, aged 54 years.
John McDonald Son of Peter McDonald, Tailor of Gateshead, Co. Durham. Indentured for a period of seven years as from 22nd March 1813.
Thomas Sewell (I) Son of John Sewell, Tinman of Newcastle. Indentured for a period of seven years as from 30th June 1818. Free of the Company 2nd February 1846 and served as Warden to the Company fifteen times. Married twice, Ann ?, and then to Mary Rippon 21st August 1851. Purchased the business of Thomas Watson following the death of his old Master. Died 30th October 1883, aged 80 years.
Ralph Lamb Son of Ralph Lamb, Victualler of Gateshead, Co. Durham. Indentured for a period of seven years as from 5th February 1822.
James Robson Son of William Robson, Tinplate worker of Newcastle. Indentured for a period of seven years as from 18th December 1827. Free of the Company 3rd May 1846 and served as Warden once. He was elected Assay Master at Newcastle 13th December 1854, a position he held until the closure of the assay office in June 1884. He had previously held the position of Stamper for nineteen years. Married to Elizabeth. Died 29th December 1900, aged 88 years.
John Bainbridge Son of William Bainbridge, Mariner of Byker, Northumberland. Indentured for a period of seven years as from 2nd June 1836. He served a temporary period as Stamper at Newcastle in 1855.
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Thomas Robinson (I) Son of Thomas Robinson, Blacksmith of Gateshead, Co. Durham. Indentured to Robert Scott (II) for a period of seven years as from 8th August 1791. Upon Scott's demise in 1793 he was accepted by Watson to finish his term. He was did not become free of the Company until 6th December 1831. Warden of the Company twice. Married Eleanor Mills 23rd September 1800. Died June 1853, aged 76/77 years.
Joseph Watson Son of Joseph Watson, Clog maker of Elsdon, Northumberland. Half brother to Thomas. Indentured for a period of seven years as from 12th February 1794. Free of the Newcastle Company 3rd May 1809. Warden of the Company five times. Married Dorothy Dodd 25th October 1804. Died April 1816, aged 37 years.
Francis Somerville (II) Son of Francis Somerville (I), Silversmith of Newcastle. Indentured for a period of seven years as from 20th February 1799. Free of the Company 1st August 1815. Warden of the Company ten times. Served as Assay Master at Newcastle from 6th December 1831 until his death in December 1854, aged 68 years. He never married.
Joseph Walker Son of James Walker, Yeoman of Byron's Leap, Chester-le-Street, Co. Durham. Indentured for a period of seven years as from 10th January 1801.
William Best Son of William Best, Yeoman of Newcastle. Indentured for a period of seven years as from 2nd August 1803. Free of the Company 19th August 1847. Dead by 1874.
Francis Sanderson Son of George Sanderson, Farmer of Shilverton, Northumberland. Indentured for a period of seven years as from 9th January 1807. Free of the Company 27th November 1826 and served as Warden to the Company nine times. Emigrated to Australia in 1852 and died there in 1863 aged 71 years.
James Walkinshaw Son of James Walkinshaw, Tailor of Newcastle. Indentured for a period of seven years as from 3rd October 1808. Free of the Company 27th November 1826 and served as Warden eight times.
John Miller Son of William Miller, Yeoman of Newcastle. Indentured for a period of seven years as from 28th December 1809. Free of the Company 6th December 1831. Thought to have died in April 1838, aged 54 years.
John McDonald Son of Peter McDonald, Tailor of Gateshead, Co. Durham. Indentured for a period of seven years as from 22nd March 1813.
Thomas Sewell (I) Son of John Sewell, Tinman of Newcastle. Indentured for a period of seven years as from 30th June 1818. Free of the Company 2nd February 1846 and served as Warden to the Company fifteen times. Married twice, Ann ?, and then to Mary Rippon 21st August 1851. Purchased the business of Thomas Watson following the death of his old Master. Died 30th October 1883, aged 80 years.
Ralph Lamb Son of Ralph Lamb, Victualler of Gateshead, Co. Durham. Indentured for a period of seven years as from 5th February 1822.
James Robson Son of William Robson, Tinplate worker of Newcastle. Indentured for a period of seven years as from 18th December 1827. Free of the Company 3rd May 1846 and served as Warden once. He was elected Assay Master at Newcastle 13th December 1854, a position he held until the closure of the assay office in June 1884. He had previously held the position of Stamper for nineteen years. Married to Elizabeth. Died 29th December 1900, aged 88 years.
John Bainbridge Son of William Bainbridge, Mariner of Byker, Northumberland. Indentured for a period of seven years as from 2nd June 1836. He served a temporary period as Stamper at Newcastle in 1855.
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Re: Some Known Journeymen Silversmiths
Herman Jacobi (James) Walther (Grimwade 1020) as at April 1772
Philip Cornman (Grimwade 2148) (Apprentice)

Whereas Philip Cornman, Apprentice to Herman Jacobi Walther, Jeweller and Gold-worker, departed himself from his said Master's Service on the 29th April, without his Consent : This said Master doth hereby forewarn all Persons from harbouring or employing his said Apprentice at their peril, and doth command him to return immediately to his Duty.
Whoever brings or gives Intelligence of the said Philip Cornman, shall be properly rewarded by an injured and insulted Master.
Source: Public Advertiser, Friday 1st May 1772.
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Philip Cornman (Grimwade 2148) (Apprentice)

Whereas Philip Cornman, Apprentice to Herman Jacobi Walther, Jeweller and Gold-worker, departed himself from his said Master's Service on the 29th April, without his Consent : This said Master doth hereby forewarn all Persons from harbouring or employing his said Apprentice at their peril, and doth command him to return immediately to his Duty.
Whoever brings or gives Intelligence of the said Philip Cornman, shall be properly rewarded by an injured and insulted Master.
Source: Public Advertiser, Friday 1st May 1772.
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Re: Some Known Journeymen Silversmiths
After he ran away Philip Cornman did not disappear.
He was originally apprenticed to Christopher Binger of St Pancras from 22nd March 1768 for 7 years on payment of just £2. He was presumably later turned over to Walther. He was likely of German extraction.
Insurance policies of 1781show he was an engraver at Little St Martin’s Lane and in the same trade in 1786 at 5, Newport Street whilst in 1790 he appears in Holden’s London Directory from the same address adding printmaker to his activities. From 1788-92 he is also recorded as a sculptor exhibiting models and portraits in wax at the Royal Academy.
He entered a mark with the Assay Office from Newport Street in 1793.
He married Mary Naylor at St Anne’s Soho in 1794. She was 44 years old and judging by when he became an apprentice he was about the same age.
By 1807 a Henry Cornman had joined the business at 5, Newport Street which then traded as Cornman & Son gold and silver workers. This indicates that Philip may have been married before. This partnership continued until 1820. Philip died in 1822 after which the firm became Cornman Son & Bridges from 22 Newman Street.
His wife Mary and Henry died in the same year 1830.
Some of the above information can be found on pages 741-2 of A G Grimwade’s book on London Goldsmiths 1697-1837.
Mike
He was originally apprenticed to Christopher Binger of St Pancras from 22nd March 1768 for 7 years on payment of just £2. He was presumably later turned over to Walther. He was likely of German extraction.
Insurance policies of 1781show he was an engraver at Little St Martin’s Lane and in the same trade in 1786 at 5, Newport Street whilst in 1790 he appears in Holden’s London Directory from the same address adding printmaker to his activities. From 1788-92 he is also recorded as a sculptor exhibiting models and portraits in wax at the Royal Academy.
He entered a mark with the Assay Office from Newport Street in 1793.
He married Mary Naylor at St Anne’s Soho in 1794. She was 44 years old and judging by when he became an apprentice he was about the same age.
By 1807 a Henry Cornman had joined the business at 5, Newport Street which then traded as Cornman & Son gold and silver workers. This indicates that Philip may have been married before. This partnership continued until 1820. Philip died in 1822 after which the firm became Cornman Son & Bridges from 22 Newman Street.
His wife Mary and Henry died in the same year 1830.
Some of the above information can be found on pages 741-2 of A G Grimwade’s book on London Goldsmiths 1697-1837.
Mike
Re: Some Known Journeymen Silversmiths
William Eaton (Grimwade 3105-6) as at September 1834
James Christmas (Journeyman)
William Christmas (Position unknown)
John Watson (Position unknown)
John Gray (Porter)
Source: Old Bailey Court Records
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James Christmas (Journeyman)
William Christmas (Position unknown)
John Watson (Position unknown)
John Gray (Porter)
Source: Old Bailey Court Records
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Re: Some Known Journeymen Silversmiths
Daniel Suks (Soux) (Heal p.251,247) as at March 1717.
James Giro
..... Morris

Whereas James Giro, Apprentice to Mr Soux, Working Silver Smith in George Yard, near Holborn Bars, was on the 27th of March last, sent to the Bear Inn in Basinghall Street, with a Letter to receive the following Goods from the York Carrier, viz. 34 Ounces of burnt silver, and 32 Ounces of Old Sterling, 55 Ounces of silver melted, a silver Tankard without a Lid, and about 11 Ounces of other silver, which he receiv'd, and has absented himself from his Master's Service ever since. The said James Giro is short and black, ag'd about 23, speaks both French and English, born in Spittle Fields. Whoever secures him and the Goods, and gives Notice to his said Master, shall have 3 Guineas Reward and reasonable Charges, or proportionable for any part. Note, one Morris run away with several silver Snuff Boxes from Mr Soux. Whoever gives Notice of him shall have a Guinea Reward.
Source: The Evening Post - 16th April 1717
Daniel Suks was recorded by Sir Ambrose Heal as a Goldsmith of George Yard, Holborn in 1712. He also records a Daniel Soux, Goldsmith of Goulston Square, near Whitechapel Bars in 1701, they are most likely to be one of the same person.
Daniel Suks (Soux) is possibly to be identified with John Soux (Grimwade 1652). Arthur Grimwade suppected perhaps that John was Daniel's son or nephew.
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James Giro
..... Morris

Whereas James Giro, Apprentice to Mr Soux, Working Silver Smith in George Yard, near Holborn Bars, was on the 27th of March last, sent to the Bear Inn in Basinghall Street, with a Letter to receive the following Goods from the York Carrier, viz. 34 Ounces of burnt silver, and 32 Ounces of Old Sterling, 55 Ounces of silver melted, a silver Tankard without a Lid, and about 11 Ounces of other silver, which he receiv'd, and has absented himself from his Master's Service ever since. The said James Giro is short and black, ag'd about 23, speaks both French and English, born in Spittle Fields. Whoever secures him and the Goods, and gives Notice to his said Master, shall have 3 Guineas Reward and reasonable Charges, or proportionable for any part. Note, one Morris run away with several silver Snuff Boxes from Mr Soux. Whoever gives Notice of him shall have a Guinea Reward.
Source: The Evening Post - 16th April 1717
Daniel Suks was recorded by Sir Ambrose Heal as a Goldsmith of George Yard, Holborn in 1712. He also records a Daniel Soux, Goldsmith of Goulston Square, near Whitechapel Bars in 1701, they are most likely to be one of the same person.
Daniel Suks (Soux) is possibly to be identified with John Soux (Grimwade 1652). Arthur Grimwade suppected perhaps that John was Daniel's son or nephew.
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Re: Some Known Journeymen Silversmiths
Drayson & Burwash as at c.1855
Robert Matthew Morell (Foreman)
Source: Parliamentry Select Committee notes - 1868
Drayson & Burwash, later known as Drayson, Burwash & Drayson, were noted as manufacturing Goldsmiths and Jewellers, of 16, Brewer Street, Golden Square, London. Robert Morell spent 25 years in their employ.
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Robert Matthew Morell (Foreman)
Source: Parliamentry Select Committee notes - 1868
Drayson & Burwash, later known as Drayson, Burwash & Drayson, were noted as manufacturing Goldsmiths and Jewellers, of 16, Brewer Street, Golden Square, London. Robert Morell spent 25 years in their employ.
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Re: Some Known Journeymen Silversmiths
John Laithwait (Lathwaite) (Grimwade pp.304, 340) as at April 1779
Thomas Knight (Watchcasemaker)
John Nevill (Apprentice) (Grimwade p.306)
Source: Old Bailey Court Records
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Thomas Knight (Watchcasemaker)
John Nevill (Apprentice) (Grimwade p.306)
Source: Old Bailey Court Records
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Re: Some Known Journeymen Silversmiths
Thomas Gooch (Grimwade p.320) as at October 1797
William Tink
Thomas Pyrer (Aprentice)
Thomas Pyrer had spent two years as an errand boy for Thomas Gooch before becoming an apprentice.
Source: Old Bailey Court Records
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William Tink
Thomas Pyrer (Aprentice)
Thomas Pyrer had spent two years as an errand boy for Thomas Gooch before becoming an apprentice.
Source: Old Bailey Court Records
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Re: Some Known Journeymen Silversmiths
William Rowland(s) (Grimwade pp.331, 353, 354) as at December 1821
Robert Rowland (Brother of above)
Charles Davis
Stephen Luff (Errand Boy)
Source: Old Bailey Court Records
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Robert Rowland (Brother of above)
Charles Davis
Stephen Luff (Errand Boy)
Source: Old Bailey Court Records
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Re: Some Known Journeymen Silversmiths
Maurice Freeman Ltd. as at May 1932
Harry Freeman (real name Aaron Freedman) (Partner)
....Davidson (nephew of Harry Freeman) (Partner)
Charles Oliver Boylett (Foreman and Manager)
Harry Richmond Ross (Journeyman)
In February 1933, Harry Freeman and Charles Boylett appeared at the Old Bailey on a charge of being in possession of silver bearing transposed hallmarks. Much of the case against Freeman and Boylett rested on the testimony given by a journeyman of theirs, Harry Ross. Ross, who had worked for Maurice Freeman Ltd from July 1924 until May 1932, kept details of the various articles of silver that he worked on. Although Freeman and Boylett were found not guilty, the publicity of the trial was to prove the ruination of the business and Maurice Freeman Ltd went into receivership in March 1933.
Source: The Directory of Gold & Silversmiths, Jewellers & Allied Traders - 1838-1914 - John Culme
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Harry Freeman (real name Aaron Freedman) (Partner)
....Davidson (nephew of Harry Freeman) (Partner)
Charles Oliver Boylett (Foreman and Manager)
Harry Richmond Ross (Journeyman)
In February 1933, Harry Freeman and Charles Boylett appeared at the Old Bailey on a charge of being in possession of silver bearing transposed hallmarks. Much of the case against Freeman and Boylett rested on the testimony given by a journeyman of theirs, Harry Ross. Ross, who had worked for Maurice Freeman Ltd from July 1924 until May 1932, kept details of the various articles of silver that he worked on. Although Freeman and Boylett were found not guilty, the publicity of the trial was to prove the ruination of the business and Maurice Freeman Ltd went into receivership in March 1933.
Source: The Directory of Gold & Silversmiths, Jewellers & Allied Traders - 1838-1914 - John Culme
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Re: Some Known Journeymen Silversmiths
George Smith II (Grimwade 896-8, 909) as at July 1782
Henry Boddiwell (Foreman)
John Wood (Journeyman)
John Wood worked for George Smith for ten years. In September 1782 he was convicted at the Old Bailey for stealing nearly seven hundred pairs of buckles from George Smith. He was sentenced to seven years transportation to Africa.
Source: Old Bailey Court Records
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Henry Boddiwell (Foreman)
John Wood (Journeyman)
John Wood worked for George Smith for ten years. In September 1782 he was convicted at the Old Bailey for stealing nearly seven hundred pairs of buckles from George Smith. He was sentenced to seven years transportation to Africa.
Source: Old Bailey Court Records
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Re: Some Known Journeymen Silversmiths
Stephen Gilbert (Grimwade 36-7) and James Ansill (Ansell) as at August 1766
William Curry
Martin Vasthold
Stephen Gilbert and James Ansill were suppliers to the important firm of Parker & Wakelin.
Source: Old Bailey Court Records
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William Curry
Martin Vasthold
Stephen Gilbert and James Ansill were suppliers to the important firm of Parker & Wakelin.
Source: Old Bailey Court Records
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Re: Some Known Journeymen Silversmiths
William Eady (Grimwade pp383-4) as at September 1845
......Brown (Partner)
George Taylor (Foreman)
James Bewes (Journeyman)
John Greive (Journeyman)
Richard Garrett (Journeyman)
At an Old Bailey trial, George Taylor is quoted as saying that at least 32 journeymen were working for William Eady at this time.
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......Brown (Partner)
George Taylor (Foreman)
James Bewes (Journeyman)
John Greive (Journeyman)
Richard Garrett (Journeyman)
At an Old Bailey trial, George Taylor is quoted as saying that at least 32 journeymen were working for William Eady at this time.
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Re: Some Known Journeymen Silversmiths
William Fillan of Aberdeen 1847
Alexander Sutherland Clark (Apprentice)
Theft and Housebreaking
Alexander Sutherland Clark, Jeweller, was charged with having, in the course of the year 1847, stolen a number of articles of jewellery from the shop of William Fillan, Jeweller, Union Street, whose apprentice he was; as also, with having broken into the shop of Mr George Forbes, Grocer, St Nicholas Street, and stolen some tobacco and other articles. He pled guiltly to the theft as libelled, and was sentenced to imprisonment for eighteen months.
Source: The Aberdeen Journal - 12th April 1848
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Alexander Sutherland Clark (Apprentice)
Theft and Housebreaking
Alexander Sutherland Clark, Jeweller, was charged with having, in the course of the year 1847, stolen a number of articles of jewellery from the shop of William Fillan, Jeweller, Union Street, whose apprentice he was; as also, with having broken into the shop of Mr George Forbes, Grocer, St Nicholas Street, and stolen some tobacco and other articles. He pled guiltly to the theft as libelled, and was sentenced to imprisonment for eighteen months.
Source: The Aberdeen Journal - 12th April 1848
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Re: Some Known Journeymen Silversmiths
William Eady
Arthur Grimwade’s book on London Goldsmiths 1697-1837 gives no biography of William Eady the goldsmith and jeweller which is a pity bearing in mind the large scale production of his business as evidenced by the number of journeymen he employed.
John Culme’s book on London Silver & Goldsmiths 1838-1914 is more forthcoming on the man and his business and it is with thanks to that publication added to other research for the following biography.
William Eady the son of William and Sarah was christened at St Botolph’s church London in April 1793. William senior born 1768 was a jeweller of West Street, Smithfield, London to whom his son was apprenticed from 1807-January 1815 when William junior obtained his freedom. William senior died in August of the same year.
William Eady entered his first mark at Goldsmiths Hall London from 26 Red Lion Street, Clerkenwell on 13th October 1821as a manufacturing jeweller and goldsmith. The mark showed his initials WE in a rectangular shape.
On 21st November 1821 he married Elizabeth Hayman of Norwich at St Peter Mancroft, Norwich. The Census records show they had 7 children born between 1823 and 1837.
In 1830 he was joined in partnership at 26 Red Lion Street by John Brown. No new mark seems to have been registered until the one entered on 16th February 1846 by Thomas Eady, William’s son, and John Brown. The mark showed TE over IB in a square shape.
The 1841 Census records William Eady living in Hornsey Middlesex
The partnership with John Brown lasted until 29th October 1846 when he left to set up business on his own.
On 30th October 1846 William was joined in partnership by his sons Henry born 1823 and Thomas born 1826. Only Thomas entered a new maker’s mark at that time which showed TE in a rectangle.
At the Great Exhibition of 1851 the firm displayed a chess set designed by Henry Eady in the form of the meeting on The Field of Cloth of Gold between the kings Henry VIII of England and Francis I of France.
William Eady retired from the business on 28th February 1852 and continued to live at the Hornsey address until his death on 10th October 1865.
The business was carried on by his sons Henry and Thomas.
Charles Paris joined Thomas in partnership in 1858 but no maker’s mark was entered.
The firm went through various changes in the following years; Thomas retired in 1883 and died in 1892 (as did his brother Henry).The business address remained at 26 Red Lion Street with additional premises at Garrard Street, Soho, London
In a final twist of fate the firm was absorbed around 1909 into that of John Brown & Sons successors to John Brown who had been William Eady’s business partner back in 1830.
Mike
Arthur Grimwade’s book on London Goldsmiths 1697-1837 gives no biography of William Eady the goldsmith and jeweller which is a pity bearing in mind the large scale production of his business as evidenced by the number of journeymen he employed.
John Culme’s book on London Silver & Goldsmiths 1838-1914 is more forthcoming on the man and his business and it is with thanks to that publication added to other research for the following biography.
William Eady the son of William and Sarah was christened at St Botolph’s church London in April 1793. William senior born 1768 was a jeweller of West Street, Smithfield, London to whom his son was apprenticed from 1807-January 1815 when William junior obtained his freedom. William senior died in August of the same year.
William Eady entered his first mark at Goldsmiths Hall London from 26 Red Lion Street, Clerkenwell on 13th October 1821as a manufacturing jeweller and goldsmith. The mark showed his initials WE in a rectangular shape.
On 21st November 1821 he married Elizabeth Hayman of Norwich at St Peter Mancroft, Norwich. The Census records show they had 7 children born between 1823 and 1837.
In 1830 he was joined in partnership at 26 Red Lion Street by John Brown. No new mark seems to have been registered until the one entered on 16th February 1846 by Thomas Eady, William’s son, and John Brown. The mark showed TE over IB in a square shape.
The 1841 Census records William Eady living in Hornsey Middlesex
The partnership with John Brown lasted until 29th October 1846 when he left to set up business on his own.
On 30th October 1846 William was joined in partnership by his sons Henry born 1823 and Thomas born 1826. Only Thomas entered a new maker’s mark at that time which showed TE in a rectangle.
At the Great Exhibition of 1851 the firm displayed a chess set designed by Henry Eady in the form of the meeting on The Field of Cloth of Gold between the kings Henry VIII of England and Francis I of France.
William Eady retired from the business on 28th February 1852 and continued to live at the Hornsey address until his death on 10th October 1865.
The business was carried on by his sons Henry and Thomas.
Charles Paris joined Thomas in partnership in 1858 but no maker’s mark was entered.
The firm went through various changes in the following years; Thomas retired in 1883 and died in 1892 (as did his brother Henry).The business address remained at 26 Red Lion Street with additional premises at Garrard Street, Soho, London
In a final twist of fate the firm was absorbed around 1909 into that of John Brown & Sons successors to John Brown who had been William Eady’s business partner back in 1830.
Mike
Re: Some Known Journeymen Silversmiths
John Lacey Hawkins (Grimwade 1389) as at November 1822
Andrew Main (Apprentice) (£60 - 7 years)
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Andrew Main (Apprentice) (£60 - 7 years)
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Re: Some Known Journeymen Silversmiths
The Apprentices of Nathaniel Gillet of Aberdeen
John Allan......... 19th May 1785 (Five years)
William Breck..... 21st December 1790 (Six years - Indenture registered on the 17th December 1796 upon completion of term)
Andrew Findlater... 6th June 1792
Nathaniel Rae*...... 1st January 1800
Emslie Whitecross................ 1802
James Brander......20th July 1804
William Rae.......... 1st January 1809
*Nathaniel Rae worked for Nathaniel Gillet as apprentice, journeyman, and foreman, upon Gillet's retirement in c.1824, Nathaniel Rae continued the business.

'ABD', 'NG', 'Zodiac sign Cancer', 'Mallet'.
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John Allan......... 19th May 1785 (Five years)
William Breck..... 21st December 1790 (Six years - Indenture registered on the 17th December 1796 upon completion of term)
Andrew Findlater... 6th June 1792
Nathaniel Rae*...... 1st January 1800
Emslie Whitecross................ 1802
James Brander......20th July 1804
William Rae.......... 1st January 1809
*Nathaniel Rae worked for Nathaniel Gillet as apprentice, journeyman, and foreman, upon Gillet's retirement in c.1824, Nathaniel Rae continued the business.

'ABD', 'NG', 'Zodiac sign Cancer', 'Mallet'.
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Re: Some Known Journeymen Silversmiths
The Apprentices of James Erskine of Aberdeen
William Whitecross........4th February 1800
Robert Mair...............20th January 1801
James Smith..............20th November 1803
John Leith.................20th March 1805
James Pirie................1st May 1810
David Primrose............1st August 1811
John Sim Rae..............1st August 1811
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William Whitecross........4th February 1800
Robert Mair...............20th January 1801
James Smith..............20th November 1803
John Leith.................20th March 1805
James Pirie................1st May 1810
David Primrose............1st August 1811
John Sim Rae..............1st August 1811
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Re: Some Known Journeymen Silversmiths
The Staff of Gerald Benney
A photograph that was taken in around 1973, probably outside Gerald Benney's showroom and workshops at 36, Bear Lane, Southwark, London.

From left to right:
Richard Stephens..............Silversmith
Don Ward.......................Senior Apprentice
Dave Corley.....................Master Polisher
Reg Vant........................Master Silversmith
Andrew Juleff...................Master Silversmith
Robert Jones...................Silversmith
Frank Beck .....................Master Silversmith
Neil Lovesey....................Apprentice
Janet Benney
Brutus...........................Guard Dog
Gerald Benney
Anne Wakely....................Secretary
Stephen Biddlecombe..........Apprentice
Mark Gilson.....................Apprentice
Jim Streeter....................Master Silversmith
Robert Winter..................Master Silversmith and Enameller
Alan Evans......................Beenham Manager and Master Enameller
David Murray...................Master Silversmith and Assistant Manager
John Lewis.....................Apprentice
Michael Hanley................Apprentice Polisher
Brian Fuller....................Manager
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A photograph that was taken in around 1973, probably outside Gerald Benney's showroom and workshops at 36, Bear Lane, Southwark, London.

From left to right:
Richard Stephens..............Silversmith
Don Ward.......................Senior Apprentice
Dave Corley.....................Master Polisher
Reg Vant........................Master Silversmith
Andrew Juleff...................Master Silversmith
Robert Jones...................Silversmith
Frank Beck .....................Master Silversmith
Neil Lovesey....................Apprentice
Janet Benney
Brutus...........................Guard Dog
Gerald Benney
Anne Wakely....................Secretary
Stephen Biddlecombe..........Apprentice
Mark Gilson.....................Apprentice
Jim Streeter....................Master Silversmith
Robert Winter..................Master Silversmith and Enameller
Alan Evans......................Beenham Manager and Master Enameller
David Murray...................Master Silversmith and Assistant Manager
John Lewis.....................Apprentice
Michael Hanley................Apprentice Polisher
Brian Fuller....................Manager
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Re: Some Known Journeymen Silversmiths
Montague Levyson (Pall Mall)
Thomas Clifford (Journeyman and Little Master) (Grimwade 2722, p.467)
Robin Ryder (Errand boy)
Thomas Clifford appeared at the Old Bailey on the 15th January 1823, accused of stealing a tea-urn, four cream ewers, a tea-pot, and a tea-set from Montague Levyson, the goods having been sent to Clifford's workshop for polishing. The work was detained much longer than expected, and after making enquiries it was found that Thomas Clifford had absconded, and the plate never recovered.
Clifford was found guilty and transported for seven years.
Sources: Old Bailey Court Records, and Royal Cornwall Gazette, Falmouth Packet & Plymouth Journal - 25th January 1823
For further detail of Thomas Clifford see: http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic ... 879#p63879" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Trev.
Thomas Clifford (Journeyman and Little Master) (Grimwade 2722, p.467)
Robin Ryder (Errand boy)
Thomas Clifford appeared at the Old Bailey on the 15th January 1823, accused of stealing a tea-urn, four cream ewers, a tea-pot, and a tea-set from Montague Levyson, the goods having been sent to Clifford's workshop for polishing. The work was detained much longer than expected, and after making enquiries it was found that Thomas Clifford had absconded, and the plate never recovered.
Clifford was found guilty and transported for seven years.
Sources: Old Bailey Court Records, and Royal Cornwall Gazette, Falmouth Packet & Plymouth Journal - 25th January 1823
For further detail of Thomas Clifford see: http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic ... 879#p63879" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Trev.