Early Australian Silversmiths

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W. PEACH

Sturt Street, Ballarat


W. Peach - Ballarat - 1865

Silverly noted the following: William Peach is listed as a jeweller in Ballarat on the 1903 Australia Electoral role, and his death is recorded at that same place and in the same year with the estimated birth year 1831.

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HEINRICH FRIEDRICH PETERING

McDonald Street, Murtoa, Victoria



Mr. Heinrich Friedrich Petering, Watchmaker and Jeweller, of McDonald Street, Murtoa, was born in Dohren, Hanover, Germany, in 1866, and served his apprenticeship to the watchmaking and jewellery trade in his native place. He came out to Victoria in 1885, and a year later settled in Murtoa, where he established his present successful business in 1888. Mr. Petering carries a large and valuable stock of jewellery, watches, silverware, etc., to meet the requirements of the district, and his business is regarded as the leading one of its kind in Murtoa. He acts as agent for the Royal Fire Insurance Company, and also engages in farming operations on his property, which is situate about two miles from the town. Mr. Petering takes an active interest in the affairs of the local Mechanics' Institute, of which he is the Hon.Treasurer. He married in 1892, Bertha, daughter of the Rev. C.G. Hiller, Lutheran Minister of Murtoa.



Source: The Cyclopedia of Victoria (illustrated): An historical and commercial review, descriptive and biographical, facts, figures and illustrations : an epitome of progress - Volume 3 - James Smith - 1905

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J.E. LODER & Co.

Raymond Street, Sale, Victoria



J.E. Loder & Co., Watchmakers, Jewellers, Opticians, etc., Raymond Street, Sale. This business, which is one of the oldest established in Gippsland, was founded many years ago by Mr. H. J. Herberte, by whom it was carried on until 1887, when it was purchased by Mr. J. E. Loder, who has been associated with the trade all his life. A native of England, he served his apprenticeship in Weymouth, a town in the South of England, where he acquired a thorough and practical knowledge of watch-making. Mr. Loder has also devoted his time to the study of electricity, and has built a Rontgen rays apparatus for Dr. Reid, of Sale, which has proved a great success. He also practises as an optician, in which branch he enjoys a large connection throughout the district. Mr. Loder married, in 1896, a daughter of Mr. Jensen, the well-known merchant, of Sale, and has a family of two children.

Source: The Cyclopedia of Victoria (illustrated): An historical and commercial review, descriptive and biographical, facts, figures and illustrations : an epitome of progress - Volume 3 - James Smith - 1905

Silverly noted the following: J E Loder was James Edward Loder the son of James Edward Loder and Mary Billet. He was born in Weymouth, Dorset in about 1863.

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W.S. McNEE & Co.

Goldsmiths' Hall, McIvor Buildings, High Street, Maryborough, Victoria



W.S. McNee and Co., Practical Watchmakers, Manufacturing Jewellers, and Ophthalmic Opticians. - Goldsmiths' Hall, McIvor Buildings, High Street, Maryborough. This successful business, the principals of which are Messrs. McNee and Sterling, who are both natives of the district, was established in 1900, and since then has made rapid strides in the development and expansion of trade. In 1902 it was found necessary to make further additions to their premises near the McIvor Hotel, and these were supplemented during the following year by the establishment of a factory in premises adjoining the "Advertiser" office, where an up-to-date plant has been installed, and the firm are now enabled to go in extensively for the manufacture of jewellery etc.



The plant is one of the best, and comprises of machinery for executing all classes of work wirh dispatch, which is a great feature in a business of this kind. Customers can have their own material made into any design their tastes may select, and can rely upon their special requirements being carried out in a artistic and thoroughly satisfactory manner. Special attention is given to jewellery repairs of all kinds, the firm only employing first-class workmen in this department, and every facility is also provided for gilding, engraving, and plating. The handsome display at the firm's principal establishment in High Street makes it a veritable palace of jewels, bearing the high reputation of being one of the finest houses outside of Melbourne, the head of the firm (Mr. McNee) having made a special study of the latest designs in the gold and silversmith's art. The stock of electroplate is most chaste, and for variety and artistic design would be hard to excel. The assortment of jewellery, watches, chains, and precious stones is also an exceptional one, and the firm deservedly enjoy a large and extensive connection throughout the district.



Source: The Cyclopedia of Victoria (illustrated): An historical and commercial review, descriptive and biographical, facts, figures and illustrations : an epitome of progress - Volume 3 - James Smith - 1905

Silverly noted the following: native(s) of the district: Walter Sneddon McNee's birth was registered in Maryborough, Victoria, Australia in 1876 and he died in 1933. He was the son of Duncan Robertson McNee and Ellen MacIntosh Sneddon.

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HAROLD MURFIN

238, Murray Street, Perth, and Kalgoorlie.



Source: Government Gazette of Western Australia - 16th November 1906

Presumably to be identified with Murfin & Co. who were noted as trading during the years 1898-1911.

Murfin & Co. were thought to have marked their wares with an impressed 'M' within a circle.

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OSWALD ROLLINGS DUGGAN

Hobart, Tasmania



Source: Tasmanian Government Gazette - 23rd February 1904

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THOMAS JOHN MANHIRE

Boulder, Western Australia



Source: The Government Gazette of Western Australia - 1906

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ARNOLD LEVEN (LEVIEN)

Ballarat and Melbourne

Levin, Arnold, Melbourne, is a native of Copenhagen, Denmark, who came to Melbourne in 1860. He first opened a shop in Ballarat as a watchmaker and jeweller, and then returning to Melbourne commenced business in 1872 at 233 Elizabeth-street as umbrella-maker, tobacconist, pipe-maker, and hairdresser. He has commodious and well-appointed premises, there being five chairs in his hairdressing-room.

Source: Victoria and its Metropolis, Past and Present - Alexander Sutherland - 1888

Arnold Levien appears in trade directories as located at 233, Elizabeth Street, Melbourne in 1873-1888, and at 347, Elizabeth Street, Melbourne in 1889.

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JOHN JERGER

Boulder, Western Australia

Application No. 3982.–John Jerger and Adolf Kossnow, both of Boulder, Western Australia, Watchmaker and Metallurgist respectively, "Improved method of ascertaining the money value of bar or bulk gold."–Dated 7th August, 1902. Claim ;–

The method of ascertaining the money value of bulk gold said method consisting of cutting out of the bulk the sample or value unit of any predetermined volume by means of a drill having a limit shoulder for controlling it's cutting depth and then weighing such value unit in an approved scales having a dial for indicating the corresponding money value of such unit substantially as herein set forth and described. Specification, 3s.

Source: Government Gazette of Western Australia - 27th February 1903

See also: viewtopic.php?f=57&t=23564&p=63798

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SIDNEY HARRIS

69, Chapel Street, Prahran, Victoria

Harris, Sydney, Prahran, is a native of London, who arrived in Melbourne in 1881, and was at first engaged as salesman to a long-established firm in the city, where he remained about five years, after which he entered into business at his trade of a watchmaker and jeweller, at 69 Chapel-street, where he has worked up a good connection and carries on a large trade.

Source: Victoria and its Metropolis, Past and Present - Alexander Sutherland - 1888

Sidney Harris was recorded in trade directories as located at 69, Chapel Street, Prahran, from 1887-1890, and at 263, Chapel Street, Windsor, in 1892.

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LEOPOLD SAUNDERS

3, Little Collins Street West, Melbourne, and 130, Pitt Street, Sydney


Leopold Saunders - Melbourne - 1881

Leopold Saunders appears in trade directories at the following dates and addresses: 19, Little Collins Street East, Melbourne - 1871-1875. 20, Little Collins Street East, Melbourne - 1876-1887. 285, Little Collins Street East, Melbourne - 1888-1895. Also noted as at 119, Pitt Street, Sydney, in 1882.

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OTHMAR ROMBACH

350, George Street, Sydney


O. Rombach - Sydney - 1881

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ELLIS HARRIS

Windsor

Mrs. Elizabeth Harris, aged 22 years, wife of Ellis Harris, jeweller, of Windsor, committed suicide on November 20, by taking strychnine.

Source: The Australasian Sketcher - Volumes 73-74 - 1873

Ellis Harris appeared in trade directories as located at 124, Little Collins Street East, Melbourne in 1868, at 155, Chapel Street, Windsor, in 1879-1883, and at 253, Chapel Street, Windsor, in 1884.

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WILLIAM HUTCHINSON

Warracknabeal, Victoria

Hutchinson, William, Warracknabeal, is a native of Stawell, Victoria who learned the watchmaking trade with Mr. Rennison, for whom he worked nine years. He then commenced business for himself in Warracknabeal about two years ago as a jeweller, watchmaker, and stationer, having purchased his brother's interest in the latter branch of the business. He has held the secretaryship of the local branch of the Natives' Association since its establishment, and is also secretary of the Progress Society.

Source: Victoria and its Metropolis, Past and Present - Alexander Sutherland - 1888

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P.C. SMITH

Nhill, Victoria

Smith, P. C, Nhill, was born in Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.A., and came to Melbourne in 1857. He learned the paper ruling trade at Messrs. Sands and M'Dougall's, Melbourne, and afterwards went to Stawell and Ararat, where he was engaged with his father at watchmaking for twelve years. In 1881 he decided to open a business for himself, and accordingly proceeded to Nhill, which township then consisted of half-a-dozen houses. There he commenced as a watchmaker and jeweller, and still carries on the business. Mr. Smith is a prominent supporter of local institutions, has been president of the hospital for two years past, formed the local athletic club, and was the originator of a branch of the Oddfellows' lodge, which is now in a most satisfactory financial condition.

Source: Victoria and its Metropolis, Past and Present - Alexander Sutherland - 1888

Silverly noted the following: Sounds like Peter Cockburn Smith who was born in about 1854 and died in Nhill, Victoria in 1907. His father's name was Thomas Young Smith.

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A.J. COX

Ararat, Victoria

Cox, A. J., Ararat, was born in Somersetshire, England, and came to Victoria in 1870, having learned his trade of watchmaker and jeweller at home. After his arrival in the colonies he was in various parts until 1887, when he settled down in Ararat, and purchased the business established in 1880 by Block Bros., in Barkly-street, which he now carries on.

Source: Victoria and its Metropolis, Past and Present - Alexander Sutherland - 1888

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JOHN M'GIBBONY

Barkly Street, Ararat, Victoria

M'Gibbony, John, Ararat, a native of Ireland, came to Victoria in 1856, following mining until 1857, when he settled in Ararat and founded his business of watchmaker and jeweller on its present site in Barkly-street. Mr. M'Gibbony has been connected with the borough council since its formation in 1858, and is at present local auditor to that body. He has been a member of the hospital board, and has taken a great interest in all public affairs ever since he arrived in the district.

Source: Victoria and its Metropolis, Past and Present - Alexander Sutherland - 1888

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WILLIAM BAIN ROSS

Bairnsdale, Gippsland, Victoria

Ross, William Bain, Bairnsdale, is a native of Ross-shire, Scotland, who landed in Melbourne in 1855, and proceeded to Gippsland the same year, starting in business at Tarraville as a jeweller and watchmaker, and being the first of that occupation in the province. He remained at Tarraville for nine years, and then removed to Bairnsdale, where he was the first to commence his line of business, and where he still carries it on.

Source: Victoria and its Metropolis, Past and Present - Alexander Sutherland - 1888

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GEORGE H. ARMFIELD

36-38, Stanley Street, and 63, Johnston Street, Collingwood



Geo. H. Armfield - Collingwood, Vic. - Undated


Armfield, Geo. H., Collingwood, was born in Croydon, England, and came to the colonies when very young, arriving at Melbourne from South Australia in 1867. Mr. Armfield learned the business of watchmaker and jeweller with Messrs. Wenzel and Enes, Bourke-street, in whose employ he remained until 1878, when he established his present business at Stanleystreet, Collingwood, employing at the time no labour. The business increasing rapidly, Mr. Armfield found it necessary to enlarge his premises from time to time, and at present finds employment for ten men and three or four boys. The trade is divided into two distinct departments, viz., watch and clock-making and repairing and jewellery manufacturing. The latter department contains a large machine for cutting discs and medals, wire and plate rolling machines, and a large machine for stamping medals. A specialty in connection with the business is the making of medals of any design, masonic and friendly society emblems, &c. Mr. Armfield received certificate at the Melbourne International Exhibition of 1880 for jewellery exhibits, and is the donor of the well-known "Armfield Cricket Trophy" which is presented annually for junior cricket competition.

Source: Victoria and its Metropolis, Past and Present - Alexander Sutherland - 1888


Robbery from a Victoria Jeweller's.–Advices to hand give the details of a daring robbery from the branch shop, 63, Johnston Street, Collingwood, of Mr. G. H. Armfield. During the absence of the managers to dinner, the show cases were completely looted, property estimated to be worth £300 being removed, in full view of passers by.

Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 1st October 1889

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THOMAS GEORGE GILLAM

Elizabeth Street, Melbourne

Gillam, Thomas George, Melbourne, was born in London in 1846, and arrived ia Melbourne in 1869. He was first employed at his trade of jeweller for about seven years, after which he commenced a business on his own account in Elizabeth-street, and conducted it for three years, when he imported watchmakers' tools and travelled with them in the country for twelve months. He next started contracting with the Victorian railways, and is now carrying on business as lessee of refreshment rooms, book stall and newspaper agency, fruiterers, &c.,at the various metropolitan stations.

Source: Victoria and its Metropolis, Past and Present - Alexander Sutherland - 1888

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