Early Australian Silversmiths

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Re: Early Australian Silversmiths

Postby dognose » Sun Jun 19, 2011 1:47 pm

JAMES McBEAN & SON (WILLIAM McBEAN)

Watchmakers, Jewellers, Opticians etc.
The Block, Elizabeth Street, Melbourne

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This well known firm was established in 1858 by Mr James McBean, the father of the present proprietor. Mr McBean who is still living, is one of the oldest identities in Melbourne, and was actively engaged in business until 1890, a period of forty years. During that time, although he took no part in public matters, the name of McBean became well and favourably known over almost all of Australasia, and the firm has a splendid reputation, not only in Victoria, but in the other States. Mr. JAMES McBEAN was born in Inverness, Scotland, in the year 1833. He served his apprenticeship as a watchmaker and jeweller in his native town, and then determined to seek his fortune in Australia. On arriving in Melbourne he saw the immense possibilities which awaited the jewellery trade, and established himself in his old business in premises directly opposite the present establishment in Elizabeth Street, on the site now occupied by Messrs McLean Brothers & Rigg. Comenceing on a very modest scale, Mr McBean gradually worked up a splendid connection. Business rapidly increased and it became necessary to remove to larger premises. Since 1894 operations have been carried on in the splendidly situated establishment in 'The Block', Elizabeth Street. The large and elegently fitted shop, with its two spacious window frontages, one facing Elizabeth Street, and the other 'The Block', is one of the sights of Melbourne. A most noticeable feature is the splendid assortment of high-class articles, representing the most artistic efforts of the gold and silversmiths' art, which are displayed with lavish profusion. A large quantity of the jewellery is manufactured by the firm, and compares very favourably with anything which can be turned out in England. In 1890 Mr. James McBean retired and handed over the business to his son, Mr William McBean who had been associated with him for twenty years. The thorough and practical training which he received during that time has proved of great benefit, both to himself and his clients. An Inspection of the superior class of stock and its great variety will convince anyone that the present proprietor is bent on maintaining the old traditions of the house, and also in keeping well abreast of the times. Mr. WILLIAM McBEAN was born in Melbourne in 1858, and, although only forty-three years of age, has been in the trade for thirty-two years, having acquired a thorough knowledge of every branch of the business. Although a very busy man, Mr. McBean finds time to devote a good deal of time and energy to the interests of the Melbourne Cricket Club. He has been a valued member of the committee for five years, and was also one of the committee of management who had the English team of 1901 in hand.

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James McBean and Son's Premises, Elizabeth Street, Melbourne.

Source: The Cyclopedia of Victoria: An Historical and Commercial Review, Descriptive and Biographical, Facts, Figures and Illustrations : An Epitome of Progress. - Volume 2 - 1904

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Re: Early Australian Silversmiths

Postby dognose » Fri Jun 24, 2011 2:37 pm

R. MENZ

85 1/2, Rundle Street, Adelaide.


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R. Menz - Adelaide - 1885

Noted as exhibiting at the Adelaide Exhibition in 1881.

R. Menz, Rundle Street, has a small but prettily arranged case of colonial made watches and jewellery.
Source: South Australia - A Brief Account of its Progress and Resources - 1881- Exhibition publication.

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Re: Early Australian Silversmiths

Postby dognose » Sun Aug 14, 2011 10:44 am

BERENS, LEVI & SELIGMANN

Stephen's Place, Rundle Street, Adelaide. 95, York Street, Sydney. 91, Smallbrook Street, Birmingham.

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Berens, Levi & Seligmann - Adelaide - 1866

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Re: Early Australian Silversmiths

Postby dognose » Thu Aug 18, 2011 7:20 pm

P. FALK AND CO.

Henry and Phillimore Streets, Freemantle.

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The firm of P. Falk and Co., the Australian branch of P. Falk and Sons, of London, is a prominent feature in all the commercial centres of the Commonwealth, and it would have been strange indeed had not the business acumen which has characterised the house not foreseen the possibilities of the Western Australian trade. That the possibilities of the State's commerce under unfettered political conditions were observed by the management long before the consummation of intercolonial free-trade was brought about by the establishment of the Commonwealth is evidenced by the fact that it was in 1886 that a branch of the firm was established at Fremantle. At that time, although the granting of Responsible Government had not yet eventuated, the agitation had been steadily growing, and the ultimate success of the demand for free institutions was practically assured. The management of the firm's business–an extensive concern, dealing largely in jewellery, silver, electro-plate, and kindred goods–was at the outset in the hands of Mr. A. J. Diamond; but, six months later, Mr. S. H. Pulver was appointed manager. In March, 1888, Mr. Alexander, the present manager, arrived, and he assumed control on April 6 of that year. Having since continuously held the management, Mr. Alexander thus claims to be the oldest manager in point of service of any business concern in the State. Until November, 1888, the firm's business was conducted in unpretentious premises in Cliff Street, and at that date a change was decided on. Arrangements were concluded for the erection of the first instalment of their present handsome premises at the corner of Henry and Phillimore Streets. The new premises were taken possession of in May, 1889, by which time stocks had been increased in proportion to the expansion of the business. This expansion was steadily maintained, and in 1896 the demands of the trade necessitated the construction of the present handsome and commodious additions to Fremantle's architecture. The completion of these premises rendered available a floor space of some 6,000 feet, in addition to extensive bulk stores at the back. But even this space was found insufficient for the requirements of the business, and the top floors of the adjoining premises are now utilised for storage purposes. The requirements of the firm In this respect will be an indication of the extent of its transactions, which extend to every part of the State. Although principally engaged in trading, as above stated, in jewellery and kindred goods, Falk and Co. deal in other directions, and one of their most important agencies is that for W.D. and H.O. Wills, Ltd., tobacco manufacturers, of Bristol, England. The agency for this firm was accepted by Falk and Co. in August, 1895, it having previously been in the hands of a firm of accountants at the Port. When taken over, Wills' agency cannot be said to have been a very severe tax on the administration or on the employes, as it was insignificant, the sales barely aggregating a case per mouth. Judicious placing, however, has had its effect, and at the present time the monthly sales effected by Falk and Co. on account of their principals are very extensive, as may be gathered from the fact that in one line alone–Capstan tobacco–the monthly sales aggregate considerably over three tons. When it is borne in mind that on its own account the firm does extensive business, the importance of Falk and Co. as a unit in the commercial world of the Port and the State will be realised. To facilitate business in the city, a branch of the business has been established in William-street, Perth, and another at Kalgoorlie, and the latter provides for the requirements of the firm's numerous goldfields clientele.

The success attained by the firm may be largely attributed to the energy displayed by Mr. Alexander, who is a member of the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce and also Mayor of the Port, he being now in occupation of the civic chair for the second year in succession.


Source: Twentieh Century Impressions of Western Australia - P. W. H. Thiel & Co. - 1901

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P. Falk & Co. - Adelaide - 1878

The original partners in this firm, founded in 1864 were Phillip Faulk, Silas Faulk, Abraham Benjamin and Salis Schlank. Described as General Merchants of Birmingham, Melbourne and Adelaide, Phillip and Silas Faulk looked after the European side of the business, Abraham Benjamin the Melbourne, and Salis Schlank the Adelaide operations.

The partnership dissolved in 1878 with Schlank retaining the Adelaide division and it is likely that at this time the firm's name was anglicised to P. Falk & Co.

P. Falk & Sons entered their mark at the London Assay Office in 1897 and in 1902 P. Falk & Sons of London and P. Falk & Co. of Fremantle And Melbourne were coverted into a joint limited liability company as P. Falk & Co. Ltd. They entered a second mark at the LAO in 1907.




An interesting advertisement for P. Falk & Co. from 1866, that shows that this firm was founded earlier than thought and also the name anglicised earlier than thought likely.

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P. Falk & Co. - Adelaide - 1866


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Re: Early Australian Silversmiths

Postby dognose » Sat Aug 20, 2011 6:53 pm

WAINWRIGHT & BOCK

Hindley Street, Adelaide.

This notice of dissolution of partnership, dated the 5th June 1841, appeared in 'The South Australian Gazette'

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William Wainwright and Alfred Bock formed their partnership at the Hindley Street address in 1839.

William Wainwright is noted as supplying the corporation seal to the town of Adelaide in 1841 at a cost of £8.

Alfred Bock retired in 1841, and William Wainwright c.1846.

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Re: Early Australian Silversmiths

Postby dognose » Sun Sep 04, 2011 11:15 am

HARDY BROTHERS

13, Hunter Street, Sydney

Hardy Brothers, Watchmakers and Jewellers, 13 Hunter-street.–This business, which is the leading one of its kind in Sydney, was established in 1839 by Mr. John Hardy and his brother, Mr. Samuel Hardy, who remained the home partner up to the time of his decease, when he was succeeded by his son, who has since retained that position. Mr. John Hardy is assisted in Sydney by his eldest son, who was admitted into partnership a few years ago. Their stock consists of all articles of the very best quality embraced in the jeweller's and watchmaker's trade; and as a proof of their standing in public appreciation, although the business is conducted upstairs and without show windows, all visitors of note to the city view the establishment before leaving. Their stock of diamonds, jewellery, and gems is held to be second to none out of London; their watches are'only of the best makers, and their silver plate would satisfy the most fastidious. The manufacture of plate and trophies, and the setting of gems is all carried on by a staff of workmen and assistants, numbering generally from twenty-five to thirty.

Source: The Aldine Centennial History of New South Wales - W. Frederic Morrison - 1888


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Hardy Brothers - Sydney - 1881


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SYDNEY, N.S.W.–The casket of which we give an illustration, was recently presented along with an address to the Earl of Jersey, the Governor of the Colony, as a token of respect from the people of New South Wales. It was executed by Messrs. Hardy Bros, of Sydney, from the design of Mr. Mitchelhill. It weighs about 150 ounces, and is 13 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 8 1/2 inches high The curved sides of the body are of polished silver, the legs or supports being of hammered silver oxidised. On the front are two panels of mother-of-pearl mosaic in antique gold setting, and placed centrally between them is a shield enamelled with the badge of New South Wales in colours, surrounded by a wreath of waratahs wrought in silver. The ends of the casket are adorned with shields bearing, in raised letters, the date and place of presentation, and the plain polished surface of the back is broken by a large laurel wreath wrought and frosted. The hinged lid has its polished surface relieved by slight repousse panels, leading off to ornamental corners, and serves as a base for a group of Lord Jersey's coat-of-arms blazoned in enamel. To the left and right of this are placed modelled plaques of the family crests of Childs and Villiers.

Source: The International Studio - Volume 28 - 1906

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Hardy Bros. - Sydney - 1888

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Hardy Bros. - Sydney and Brisbane - 1897

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Hardy Bros. - Brisbane - 1920

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Hardy Bros. - Sydney - 1962

See: viewtopic.php?f=38&t=18484&p=189946#p189946

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Re: Early Australian Silversmiths

Postby dognose » Mon Sep 05, 2011 1:48 pm

FAIRFAX & ROBERTS

23-25, Hunter Street, Sydney.


FAIRFAX & ROBERTS carry on a large and profitable business as Watchmakers and Jewellers at 23 Hunter-street. At the time of its establishment in 1865 by Mr. Alfred Fairfax the supply of high-class jewellery and gems in Sydney was unequal to the demand among the more wealthy of the residents, and it was to fill this want that Mr. Fairfax, who, owing to family connections, was very popular, turned his attention to the jewellery trade. At a later date the branches of watchmaking and the manufacture of jewellery were added, and now form a prominent feature of the business, although the firm's specialty is in the setting to order of diamonds and other gems in rings, brooches, tiaras, necklaces, and other ornaments. For this purpose they always keep a large stock of unset stones on hand. A fine specimen of the class of work turned out of this establishment was the diamond bracelet presented by the ladies of Sydney to Lady Robinson, wife of Sir Hercules Robinson, on the occasion of her departure from the colony. Mr. O. G. Roberts joined the firm in 1883. He is a native of Victoria, born in 1850, and the son of Mr. J. W. Roberts, late Mayor of Geelong. He gained practical experience of the jewellery business in England, America, and on the continent. Mr. Alfred W. Fairfax is also an Australian native, having been born in Sydney in 1818. He was educated at King's school, Parramatta, and subsequently studied for the medical profession, but on account of his health he relinquished it, and engaged in commercial pursuits with conspicuous success.

Source: The Aldine Centennial History of New South Wales - W. Frederic Morrison - 1888


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Fairfax & Roberts - Sydney - 1898

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Fairfax & Roberts - Sydney - 1913

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Fairfax & Roberts - Sydney - 1913

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Fairfax & Roberts - Sydney - 1913

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Fairfax & Roberts Ltd. - Sydney - 1933

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Re: Early Australian Silversmiths

Postby dognose » Sat Sep 10, 2011 2:09 pm

C. SIMMAT

Royal Arcade, 269 Pitt Street, Sydney.

C. Simmat, Watchmaker and Jeweller, Royal Arcade, 269 Pitt-street, was born in Germany in 1845, and learned his trade of mechanical watchmaker there, and at the same time acquired a considerable knowledge of electrical mechanics. He afterwards spent some time in Russia, France, and England, and arrived in Sydney in 1875, where he worked for a short period as a laborer till he succeeded in procuring an appointmont under the Government as an electric engineer, which he hold till 1878, when he resigned and commenced business as watchmaker and jeweller in a small way. By perseverance, skill, and energy, Mr, Simmat has gradually raised his business to be one of the leading establishments in Sydney, conducted in the prominent and extensive position in the Royal Arcade, Pitt-street. His business embraces all branches of the watchmaker's and jeweller's arts, and the manufacture of gold and silver plate, in all of which his stock is handsome and varied. Mr. Simmat is a married man, a republican, and a firm believer in protection.

Source: The Aldine Centennial History of New South Wales - W. Frederic Morrison - 1888

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Re: Early Australian Silversmiths

Postby dognose » Sat Sep 10, 2011 2:14 pm

HORN AND PETERSEN

Sydney Arcade, King Street, Sydney.

Horn & Petersen, Watchmakers, Jewellers, and Opticians, Sydney Arcade, King-street.–This firm was established about 1870 at Brickfield Hill. Mr. Horn came to Sydney with the express intention of building up a large business on a sound commercial basis, which, with the assistance of Mr. Petersen, and by combined energy and perseverance he certainly has succeeded in doing; the establishment now being one of the best in the Southern Hemisphere. A few years after opening, Mr. Petersen proceeded to Queensland and established branches at Townsville, Herberton, Thornborough, Kingsborough, and other places. On the opening of the Sydney Arcade, the firm secured premises at the King-street entrance, from which all their operations radiate. An inspection of their workshops show that they have a deal of elaborate and ingenious machinery and all modern appliances, enabling them to turn out any class of work in connection with the watch and jewellery trades. The windows of Messrs. Horn and Petersen show a most attractive display of high-class work, better than which can hardly be expected away from the old world. Their optical department has also grown to considerable proportions.

Source: The Aldine Centennial History of New South Wales - W. Frederic Morrison - 1888

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Re: Early Australian Silversmiths

Postby dognose » Mon Sep 12, 2011 11:29 am

T. T. JONES & SON

George Street, Sydney

T.T. Jones and Son, Goldsmiths and Watchmakers, have an extensive establishment in George-street.–-The business is an offshoot of the old firm of T. Jones, of Ludgate Hill, London, and was started in 1853 by the present senior partner, Mr. T. T. Jones. A leading feature of the firm is the manufacture of Masonic jewels and regalia, which are turned out on the premises equal in excellence to anything to be obtained in London; in fact, it is not uncommon for the firm to receive orders from the great metropolis of the world. Some exceedingly fine silver plate is manufactured, besides which all the work of a gold and silversmith, watchmaker, and manufacturing jeweller is carried out by twenty-five or thirty hands–in strange contrast with the time when the business occupied the attention of but one. Mr. G. T. Jones, who has lived in Sydney from the age of two years, was educated at the Grammar School, and now conducts the business.

Source: The Aldine Centennial History of New South Wales - W. Frederic Morrison - 1888



The number of diamonds found in New South Wales up to the 31st December, 1872, was estimated at between 5,000 and 6,000, the largest having been one of 5 3/4 carats, and the smallest one tenth of a grain. The average weight is about one grain. Opals, rubies, topaz, and other gems have been found in many parts of the Colony. The Sydney Morning Herald, February, 1873, reports:–

In the beginning of this year, also, there have been exhibited at the Bank of New South Wales, Sydney, a package of 375 diamonds, recently found at the Bingera diggings. Of the character of the stones there can be no doubt; they are one and all true diamonds, but their commercial value is trifling. With one exception, they are of small size, the bulk "off coloured," and many of them little better than "cleavage." Amongst them are a few octahedrons of good water. The largest stone is of irregular shape, fractured at one end, and flawed internally. They certainly prove that diamonds exist in the northern districts; and where those were found, larger and finer stones may yet turn up.

Queensland has not long retained the honor of being the only opal-producing Colony in Australia. We have not to go away from home to find a mine of that description. Any person who is dubious upon the point should pay a visit to Mr. Jones, jeweller, George-street, where there are now on exhibition a number of cut and uncut opals, and about twenty pieces of clayporphyry, sparkling with these gems in the matrix. Amongst the polished stones are some of the harlequin class. These are of a lighter colour than the Queensland stones previously exhibited at the same establishment, which had the peculiar tinge which scientists attribute to the presence of oxide of iron, and is the rarest variety. The New South Wales mine ii situated at Rocky Bridge Creek, New Abercrombie River, and is the property of Messrs. Emanuel and Magennis.


Source: New South Wales: The Oldest and Richest of the Australian Colonies - Charles Robinson - 1873

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Re: Early Australian Silversmiths

Postby dognose » Tue Sep 13, 2011 12:26 pm

R. HELLYER

97, Bathurst Street, Sydney

Manufacturer of Electro-plate, Electro-plater, and Gilder, 97 Bathurst Street, was born in London, and there received his education and business training. In 1874 he established the above industry, which includes departments for the plating of ironwork– a special feature–and the re-plating of tableware. Mr. Hellyer is an accomplished metallist, and has secured numerous prizes for the work of his establishment. At the Intercolonial Exhibition of Sydney, held in 1876, he received a medal for the best exhibit of colonial-made electro-plate, and in 1884 was awarded a certificate for plated-ware by the commissioners of the Calcutta Exhibition. At the Industrial Exhibition, held in 1885, he secured first prizes for electro-plating and electro-plate manufactures. Mr. Hellyer executes every description of repairs, and manufactures watch-cases and other articles of silverware.


Source: The Aldine Centennial History of New South Wales - W. Frederic Morrison - 1888

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Re: Early Australian Silversmiths

Postby dognose » Wed Sep 14, 2011 2:20 pm

W. E. TOOSE

418, George Street, Sydney


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W.E. Toose - Sydney - 1888

W.E. Toose, Watchmaker, Jeweller, and Optician, 418 George-street, has in connection with his business several specialities which are worthy of notice. His plate powder, known as Toose's Imperial Plate Powder, is becoming very popular. This is prepared from native products discovered by the proprietor in his geological pursuits, and possesses the property of instantly removing all tarnish and producing a brilliant polish with little labor. By experienced men it is admitted to be superior in substance and action and much in advance of many preparations hitherto in use. Mr. Toose has introduced in his optical department an improved optometer. This instrument saves time and trouble in testing accurately the proper strength of glasses required by persons suffering from long or old sight, and is admitted by scientists to be one of the best instruments in use for measuring the loss of power in the optical nerve. Mr. Toose has received seven first-class medals aud six diplomas at the various exhibitions for the excellence of his workmanship in silver and gold, diamond setting, and for his manufacture of plate powder.

Source: The Aldine Centennial History of New South Wales - W. Frederic Morrison - 1888

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Re: Early Australian Silversmiths

Postby dognose » Fri Sep 16, 2011 1:09 pm

JOHN WADDELL

783, George Street South, Sydney

John Waddell, Watchmaker and Jeweller, 783 George-street South, is a native of the north of Ireland, where he was born in 1840. He served his apprenticeship to the watchmaking under his father, and when twenty-three years of age came to Sydney, commencing for himself in 1863. For a time his business was carried on in an insignificant one-storey shingle-roofed building; but being a man of enterprise, he soon was enabled to build a handsome structure, between Brickfield Hill and the railway station, which he adorned with the first illuminated clock in the city. He has now a very large connection in all branches of the trade, and the establishment is well known throughout the country.

Source: The Aldine Centennial History of New South Wales - W. Frederic Morrison - 1888

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Re: Early Australian Silversmiths

Postby dognose » Tue Sep 20, 2011 6:39 pm

JOHN HURST

321, George Street, Sydney

John Hurst, Importer and Manufacturer of Watches and Jewellery, 321 Georgestreet, was born in England in 1826. He learned his trade in London, and followed his speciality of an examiner of watches for some years. In 1858 he left England for New Zealand, and in I860 came to Sydney, and commenced business the following year. Mr. Hurst is an expert watchmaker, and his business consists largely of repairing, though, of course, the manufacture of all classes of jewellery is also carried on by his workmen. He claims to have made the first watch in the colonies, which was shown in the exhibition of 1870. He is now assisted in the business by his son; and his house employs a considerable number of working hands.

Source: The Aldine Centennial History of New South Wales - W. Frederic Morrison - 1888

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Re: Early Australian Silversmiths

Postby dognose » Wed Sep 21, 2011 6:56 am

HUGO DAHMS

141, Oxford Street, Sydney

Hugo Dahms, Watchmaker and Manufacturing Jeweller, 141 Oxford-street, was born in 1857 in Germany, and received his education at the high school of his native town. He learned his business training of a watchmaker in Germany, and that of a jeweller in England. He employed himself in these trades in Europe, and arrived in Sydney in 1880, shortly afterwards purchasing the business he now carries on. This was originally opened by a Mr. Glarsen in 1853, and is therefore one of the oldest in Sydney. Mr. Dahms makes a specialty of the manufacture of the art jewellery in gold and silver so much in vogue at the present day, and there may be seen at his establishment some pretty and original designs, quite equal in excellence to anything we receive from the mother country. Mr. Dahms carries on an extensive trade in all branches of watchmaking and jewellery, and has a country connection. He supplies country houses with his own productions, and has imported all the necessary plant for the manufacture of medals and trophies of every description. In this branch he feels quite able to compete with the imported article, and to supply the purchaser to the latter's advantage.

Source: The Aldine Centennial History of New South Wales - W. Frederic Morrison - 1888

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Re: Early Australian Silversmiths

Postby dognose » Fri Sep 23, 2011 1:48 pm

HOGAN AND SMITH

350, George Street, Sydney

Hogan & Smith, Watchmakers and Jewellers, 350 George-street, established their business in 1880. The proprietors make repairing ships' chronometers a speciality; although all kinds of watches, clocks and jewellery are efficiently dealt with and manufactured on the premises by a staff of from ten to twelve hands. The business has been carried on by Mr. Hogan alone since 1883, in which year Mr. Smith retired. The present proprietor is a native of Tipperary, Ireland. His parents came to the colony in 1853, when he was only twelve months old, and he learned his business with the late E. Beekmann of 350 George-street.

Source: The Aldine Centennial History of New South Wales - W. Frederic Morrison - 1888

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Re: Early Australian Silversmiths

Postby dognose » Fri Sep 23, 2011 1:59 pm

ROBERT GOURLAY

35, Collins Street East, Melbourne

Gourlay, Robert, Melbourne, was born in Kirkcudbright, Scotland, and learned his business of watchmaker and manufacturing jeweller in Glasgow, whence he went to London. He came to Victoria in 1880, and entered the establishment of Messrs. Kilpatrick and Co., of Collins-street, remaining with that firm for nearly two years. On leaving he went to New South Wales, where he managed a retail business in Sydney, and after a few months became traveller for the well-known London house of Mr. E. Culver, in which capacity he remained until about January 1885, when he accepted a two years' engagement with Mr. J. R. Rowlands, Collins-street, Melbourne, as watchmaker and managing assistant, and, during Mr. Rowlands' absence in England, took complete charge of the business. On the 14th March, 1887, commenced business for himself as watchmaker, manufacturing jeweller, and direct importer of precious stones, in his present premises, 35 Collins-street east. Besides precious stones, which he makes up in the newest London designs, Mr. Gourlay imports all kinds of watches, clocks, jewellery, plate, and optical goods direct.

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

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Re: Early Australian Silversmiths

Postby dognose » Sat Sep 24, 2011 1:49 am

W. DAVEY

Charles Street, and later, Brisbane Street, Launceston, Tasmania.

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W Davey - Launceston - 1865

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W Davey - Launceston - 1881

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Re: Early Australian Silversmiths

Postby dognose » Mon Sep 26, 2011 3:03 pm

HERMAN FINCKH

300, George Street, Sydney.

Herman Finckh, Watchmaker and Jeweller, 300 George-street, is a native of Germany, and arrived in the colony in 1853. For a number of years he was engaged as a working jeweller, at first for the trade only; but after a visit to Europe in 1859 and 1860, he began business on his own account in York-street. The superior excellence of his work soon came to be known, and his circle of customers steadily increased, compelling him, time after time, to remove to more commodious premises. He exhibited at the Great Exhibition of London in 1862 a very beautiful bracelet and brooch, made by himself, of Australian gold. For this work of art he received a medal. Three of Mr. Finckh's sons have resided on the Continent of Europe for some years, and received there a thorough training in the latest developments of the jewellery and watch-making arts. They are now associated with their father in the business, carried on at the above address. A large and varied assortment of watches and jewellery is there kept in stock, and all descriptions of work pertaining to the trade is carried on.

Source: The Aldine Centennial History of New South Wales - W. Frederic Morrison - 1888

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Re: Early Australian Silversmiths

Postby dognose » Tue Sep 27, 2011 2:38 pm

CHRISTIAN HAFER

462, George Street, Sydney.

Christian Hafer, Watchmaker and Jeweller, 462 George-street, was born in 1828 in Hanover, and there learned his trade of working jeweller. He landed in Sydney in 1857, and at once engaged himself to Mr. Hogarth, a well-known watchmaker and jeweller. In 1858 Mr. Hafer commenced business in Hunter-street, but in a few years afterwards removed to George-street, where he continued for twenty-one years. He then removed to his present premises in the same street. From a small beginning, his business has grown to be one of large dimensions, some of the leading tradesmen now carrying on for themselves in the colonies having graduated under his care. His business still consists to a considerable extent in the manufacture of jewellery and trophies, though it is also extensive in the sale of watches and general jewellery. Mr. Hafer is a married man, and is assisted in, his business by one of his sons.

Source: The Aldine Centennial History of New South Wales - W. Frederic Morrison - 1888

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