The Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade

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ANNE OF CLEVES' JEWELS

Weybridge, Surrey


The Weybridge local council has requested the contractors who are excavating in connection with the building of 100 cottages to hand over any treasure or valuables unearthed to the town clerk. According to an old rumor which seems to have considerable foundation, the jewels of Queen Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII’s fourth wife, were buried on the site of the excavations now proceeding. One theory is that Anne of Cleves buried her jewels herself and another that a servant stole them and buried them.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 9th June 1926

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NEW PLATINUM ALLOY

Elizabeth, New Jersey


It is reported that a manufacturing jeweller of Elizabeth, N.J., has patented a platinum alloy which is a substitute for pure platinum for many purposes, and only costs about 3 per cent. of the price. It melts at a temperature 600 degrees lower than platinum and does not corrode or tarnish under the influence of the atmosphere or acid fumes, but is slightly discoloured by sulphur. It is said to wear better than gold. It is being used for diamond mounting and jewellery, and it is believed will make good ignition points for sparking plugs, and possibly also may be available for use in cauterising instruments and wood-burning tools.

Source: The Engineer - 18th November 1910

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DEATH OF ARTHUR C. CODDING

North Attleboro, Massachusetts


Attleboro Jewelry Manufacturer Passes Away After an Illness of Several Weeks

NORTH ATTLEBORO, Mass., Dec. 4.—Arthur E. Codding a well known jewelry manufacturer, died last Sunday. Death followed an illness of several months.

Mr. Codding was born in North Attleboro 46 years ago. He was educated in the local schools and at Dean Academy. Upon the completion of his studies he entered the jewelry business with which his father was affiliated as the Codding & Heilborn Co. He remained with this concern until it liquidated last Spring.

Mr. Codding was prominent in town affairs and at the time of his death was a member of the sewerage commission, He was a past master of Bristol lodge of Masons, as was his father before him. He was a member of Bristol lodge, Knights Templar Rabboni, Royal Arch Chapter and Mirimichi Tribe of Red Men.

He was a man of the highest integrity and character and his death was received with deep regret by a wide circle of business and personal friends. He is survived by a widow and three children.

The funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock from his late home on Church St. Rev. George E. Osgood, rector of the Grace Episcopal Church, officiated. There was a profusion of beautiful floral tributes from his host of friends. The bearers were John L. Thompson, Roswell Blackinton, John E. Tweedy, Melville White, Wallace G. Franklin and E. H. Cummings. Burial was in Mt. Hope cemetery, North Attleboro.


Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 11th December 1918

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JEWELLER MURDERS WIFE AND CHILD THEN COMMITS SUICIDE

London


The investigation that has been made into the deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Weare and their child at Myddleton-road, Bowes Park, leaves little doubt that the man murdered his wife and child, and then committed suicide. The police have been inquiring into the antecedents of the parties, and sufficient has been ascertained to make it clear that Weare’s mind had become unhinged through monetary troubles. He was by trade a jeweller, and did his work in a small room fitted up at the rear of his house. He and his wife were married about five years ago, but they had only been living at Myddleton-road some fifteen months. The deceased man seemed to have had almost a mania for invention. A deal of his time was taken up with the designing and working out of various instruments, models and plans for musical boxes, money boxes, &c., worked on the automatic principle, were also found at his place ; whilst it is stated that not long ago he constructed a peculiar watch, which gained a prize at a Continental exhibition. Like so many other inventors, however, Weare derived but scant reward for his ingenuity, and got into financial difficulties. Driven to despair, it is assumed that he determined to poison his wife and child, and then take his own life. The exact nature of the poison he used has not yet been absolutely ascertained, but it is supposed to have been prussic acid. Mr. and Mrs, Weare lived on very good terms.

Source: The Standard - 25th December 1891

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COUNT BISMARCK'S QUILL

Pforzheim


Paris is not yet taken, but the pen with which Count Bismarck is to sign the treaty of peace is already prepared. Herr Bissenger, of Pforzheim, has manufactured out of massive gold an imitation of an ordinary stout goosequill. The quill itself is polished, in order that it may be more conveniently handled, but the feather closely resembles a real quill, every fibre being represented, while the back of the feather is thickly studded with brilliants, and below them a count’s coronet and Bismarck’s monogram are engraved. Besides the engraver and maker, two goldsmiths were engaged on it for five weeks. The gold employed is of eighteen carats, and that part in which the brilliants are set is of twenty-one carats.

Source: The Engineer - 28th October 1870

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FLAMES SWEEP JEWELRY STORE

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania


Dwyer Jewelry Co. Suffers Loss of $20,000 in Big Fire at New Castle.

PITTSBURGH. Pa. Dec. 2. - Fire which caused $80,000 loss in New Castle, Pa. Tuesday morning destroyed the store of the Dwyer Jewelry Co., of
which Joan C. Dwyer, the oldest jeweler of that city, is the head, causing his concern a loss of $20,000, only partly covered by Insurance. The fire was the worst in the history of New Castle. An unfortunate thing about the Dwyer loss is that his company had just received $6,000 worth of holiday goods
on which there was no insurance.

"These goods just came in" said Mr. Dwyer, standing in the ruins of his store, which is now only burned timbers, broken glass and twisted iron. "I had intended taking out the insurance Dec. 1, as has been my custom, so that the would be covered for the month of December, and now I lose them all. It is mighty tough luck.” It is said that a portion of the most valuable part of the stock was saved.

Three firemen were injured during the blaze, which started in the basement of Ewing & Lang’s shoe store and spread to the Dwyer store and that of the Breckenridge Piano Co. Many other stores were threatened and, in fact, for a time it was believed that an entire city block would be wiped out. All of the fire departments of the neighborhood were called out to cope with the blaze. The fire started at 8 o’clock in the morning and it was 11 o’clock before it was under control. A high wind was blowing at the time, which caused the fire to spread rapidly before it could be brought under control. Ewing & Lang and the Dwyer Jewelry Co., which is incorporated, were the heaviest merchant losers. The rest of the loss is confined to the buildings.


Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 8th December 1915

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PROPOSED REPEAL OF DUTY

Sheffield


The Sheffield silversmiths, who form a numerous and influential body, are at present exercising their minds on the proposed repeal of the duty on silver-plate. There is an idea that Mr. Goschen may deal with this question in his budget proposals ; and the unrest and uncertainty entailed by this apprehension is at present practically paralysing business. Shop-keepers hold off ordering, lest after they have laid in supplies, the 1s. 6d. per ounce should be taken off. Of course no Chancellor of the Exchequer would repeal the duty without giving drawback, Still, the very idea of the tax coming off is sufficient, as one silversmith put it, ‘‘ to strangle the trade.” The local newspapers have been interviewing the Sheffield manufacturers on the subject. On Tuesday the Sheffield Telegraph gave the opinions of the leading firms—some thirty in number. Their feeling was pretty much in favour of leaving things as they are. Some were not opposed to the abolition of the silver duty; but in any case the manufacturers stipulated for the retention of compulsory hall-marking, as the only guarantee the public had that they got real silver. Mr. E. J. Watherston, of London, who initiated the discussion, strongly advocated not only a repeal of the Plate Duty, but for legislation making the hall mark voluntary instead of compulsory. He is also in favour of a modification of compulsory hall-marking, so as to enable manufacturers to make plate under the English standard (.925) for export to countries where a lower standard is desired. Mr. Watherston’s views are stoutly opposed by the Sheffield silversmiths, who believe that voluntary hall-marking would be about as effective as voluntary rates and taxes, and would lead the way to much deception being practised upon the public. They do not believe that the abolition of the duty would be of any service in increasing our foreign trade, while they are certain that the German wares, produced by longer hours and lower wages, would flood our markets.

Source: The Engineer - 18th January 1889

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REPORTED DECLINE IN SWISS OUTPUT

London


London, Oct. 4.—The London Chamber of Commerce reports that judging from the decreased output in the production of Swiss gold and silverware last year, present conditions in the watch and jewelry industry of Switzerland are serious. In 1921, it seems, the production of gold watch cases of Iegal standard weight declined 63 per cent compared with the 1920 output. The production of silver watch cases, it is pointed out, decreased 55 per cent. The output of gold, silver and platinum ornaments and utensils decreased, it is said, 73 per cent.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 18th October 1922

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THE VITTORIA STREET SCHOOL FOR JEWELLERS AND SILVERSMITHS

Birmingham


The experiment of sending a small number of boys selected from the elementary schools of Birmingham, who were likely to enter the jewellery or allied trades, to the Vittoria Street School for Jewellers and Silversmiths, is stated in the report of the Birmingham Education Committee to have been a great success. The number of boys sent has increased, and it is stated that these boys very readily find suitable situations at the end of their school course. The Committee are considering a somewhat similar action in reference to the gun trade. The Gun Trade Technical School is already in existence, and the authorities propose that the Education Committee should assume control. At the date of the report before us the Committee had agreed to be responsible for some afternoon classes, but had not taken over as yet the entire management of the school. It is important to notice that, at a conference of the principal gun-making firms with the Education Committee, several firms definitely undertook to give facilities to youths in their employ to attend classes on two afternoons each week. This is, of course, the right attitude on the part of the masters. If the teaching is of value it should not be given when the youths are exhausted with a full day's work.

Source: Journal of Education - June 1911

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THE BIGGEST SILVER BELL

Newcastle-upon-Tyne


What is reported will he the largest silver bell ever cast has been ordered for the British warship "Nelson.” It will weigh 168 pounds and is being made by an old firm of silversmiths.

Source: Popular Mechanics - February 1928

The bell in question was cast and machined by J.Stone & Co. Ltd. in Deptford, London. The funds to purchase the bell, which weighed seven thousand ounces, was raised by the people of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

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THE MACE FOR THE DOMINION HOUSE OF COMMONS

Ottawa


The Mace for the Dominion House of Commons. —It is both fitting and graceful that the new mace for the House of Commons of the Dominion of Canada should be presented to that assembly by the Lord Mayor of London (Sir C. C. Wakefield) and the Sheriffs who were in office when the Parliament House at Ottawa was burnt down. There is also a good sentimental reason for keeping the design of the new mace on similar lines to those of that used in the House of Commons of the Mother Country, with such differences as are entailed by the necessity for including the arms of Canada and the desirability of introducing such emblems as the maple leaf and the beaver. This close adherence to the old form has resulted in the production of a very handsome and dignified piece of plate worthy in many respects of both the donors and the recipients, and creditable to the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company whose work it is. From the point of view of the encouragement of British art and the expression of more modern feeling one cannot help thinking that an opportunity has been lost. There is nothing about the mace which suggests a vigorous modern art movement in this country. A choice had to be made between two opposing sets of ideas. and it is quite possible that it was wisely made and that the Dominion House will be better content that their mace should be very much like the British one than that it should represent the artistic ideals of the present day. Whether British artists will agree with them is quite another matter.

Source: Journal Of The Royal Society Of Arts - 16th February 1917

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WATCH SPRINGS

Switzerland


One firm of watchmakers in Switzerland takes annually from Sheffield 150 tons of steel for the manufacture of watch springs.

Source: The Engineer - 22nd July 1904

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THE DEATH OF WILLIAM WHEATCROFT HARRISON

Sheffield


OBITUARY

Mr. William Wheatcroft Harrison, J.P., head of the firm of W.W. Harrison & Co., silversmiths and manufacturers of electro-plated and Britannia metal goods and table cutlery, Sheffield, died at his house, Riverdale-road, on the 27th inst., at the age of seventy-four. Mr. Harrison came of an old Sheffield family, and was the founder of the large business which bears his name, and is carried on in Rockingham-street. He was for some years a member of the City Council and of the Sheffield Royal Hospital Board and did good service in other capacities.


Source: The Engineer - 29th July 1904

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THE DEATH OF CHARLES BELK

Sheffield


OBITUARY

Mr. Charles Belk was the senior partner in the firm of Roberts and Belk, one of the oldest and best-known Sheffield houses. He occupied the position of Master Cutler in 1885, and always took a kern interest in the commercial development of Sheffield.


Source: Page's Weekly - 23rd December 1904

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THE DEATH OF CHARLES BELK

Sheffield


A more detailed obituary regarding Charles Belk:


OBITUARY

CHARLES BELK

Much regret is expressed in Sheffield at the death of Mr. Charles Belk, of Holmwood, Silverhill, Ecclesall, which occurred on Monday last. Mr. Belk was senior partner in the firm of Messrs. Roberts and Belk, silver and electro-plate manufacturers, Furnival Works, Furnival-street, one of the oldest and best known of Sheffield establishments in this business. As Master Cutler, in 1885, he had as his chief guest at the Cutlers’ Feast the late Lord Randolph Churchill. During his year the International Property Convention was held at Rome, and Mr. Belk attended. At that convention an important proposal was made on behalf of Great Britain with a view to international recognition of the principles of industrial dealing, more particularly relating to goods bearing a false indication of origin. The proposal was adopted. Mr. Belk was a witness before the Committee on Depression of Trade, and in every great matter affecting the commercial interests of Sheffield took a prominent part. His interest in the Cutlers’ Company was of long standing, and was continued after his retirement from the office of Master. In 1894 he presented the Company with two handsome tablets, on which the names and dates of past Masters are engraved, so that for the first time an authentic record was established of all who had filled the high office. Three years later he presented a handsome mace, which has been used ever since at the installation ceremony of the in-coming Master Cutler. Mr. Belk was a member of the Master Silversmiths’ Association, Guardian of the Assay-office, and, up to his death, chairman of the Sheffield Committee of the Royal Metal Trades’ Pension Society. Mr. Belk, who died in his sixty- fifth year, was in failing health for some considerable time, and three years ago felt it necessary to retire from active participation in business.


Source: The Engineer - 2nd December 1904

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SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A JEWELLER

Liverpool


At the Liverpool Police Court, on the 13th ult. — before Mr. Raffles — John Carswell, alias Campbell, described as a watchmaker and jeweller, and a native of Glasgow, was brought up by warrant charged with larceny. The prisoner apparently was in a very weak state of health, and he had the previous morning arrived from Montreal by the S.S. Etruria. Detective-Sergeant Ferguson stated that when he arrested the prisoner he read to him a cable despatch describing him and stating the offence with which he was charged with committing at Montreal. The prisoner confessed he was the man referred to, and said he was unable to meet his creditors in Montreal, and so, he brought over his goods to start in this country. He did not know what they meant by larceny. Mr. George Williams, chief of the detective department, said, in the ordinary course, his Worship would be asked to issue a conduct warrant to take the prisoner to London, but having regard to the medical certificate the police authorities thought it was desirable that he should be placed in a hospital for a week rather than run any risk in his removal to the metropolis, An officer from Montreal was already on his way to this country to take the necessary steps to secure the prisoner's extradition. In reply to Mr. Raffles, the prisoner said he would prefer the workhouse hospital to the gaol hospital, and he was remanded for seven days to this institution.

Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 1st February 1890

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INTERNATIONAL SILVER COMPANY

Middletown, Connecticut


The largest mortgage ever recorded in the town clerk's office in Middletown was received by Town Clerk Howard Dec. 15. It was given by the International Silver Co. and the Continental Trust Co., of New York, as trustee, and was for $4,500,000. This mortgage was given to guarantee the payment of bonds issued by the International Silver Co. This mortgage has been recorded in all towns where the International company own property.

Source: The Trader & Canadian Jeweller - January 1900

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JEWELER'S BUILDING COLLAPSES

Lexington, Kentucky


The rear and east walls of the three-story brick building at 107 W. Main St., Lexington, Ky., occupied by King & Metzger, jewelers, collapsed Wednesday evening, burying in the debris a large amount of jewelry. Before the collapse of the building the members of the firm hurriedly placed many watches and a lot of the more valuable stock in the two big safes in the rear of the establishment.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 24th April 1907

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FIRE AT MATHEMATICAL INSTRUMENT MAKERS

Birmingham


About half past eleven o'clock on Saturday night, a fire was discovered in a room on the second floor of the premises of Mr. Corbet, mathematical instrument maker, Spencer Street.

The fire brigade was in attendance, and with the aid of a stand pipe the fire was contained to the room in which it originated.

A quantity of leather and a number of canvas measures were partially destroyed. Very little damage was done to the premises.


Source: The Birmingham Mail - 15th July 1872

The above would refer to Thomas Corbett, 72, Spencer Street, Birmingham.

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FLATWARE PATTERNS LIMITED SINCE THE WAR

United States


Silverware supply better — The supply of silverware will be better this fall. than at any time since the start of the war, but the variety of patterns probably will be only about half the pre-war number, industry spokesmen say. When the war began about 60 per cent of the patterns then available were placed on an inactive list and only a few have been reinstated. Dealers now say they can obtain sufficient amounts of flatware in available patterns for delivery in not more than three to six weeks. As an example of why more prewar patterns have not been reinstated, it is reported that one large manufacturer, before the war, made 20 patterns with 75 pieces to each, or a total of 1,500 units. Today, this manufacturer’s volume is three times his 1942 output, yet he is turning out only nine patterns with six pieces in each, or a total of 54 units. Pieces eliminated include such items as butter knives, sugar spoons, and cocktail forks in flatware, and odd shaped pieces in hollow ware. Dealers estimate that retail prices for sterling flatware are up 55 per cent, and for hollow ware up 75 per cent over 1941 prices, including the 20 per cent federal tax which was not in effect in 1941. A representative of Oneida, Ltd., said that his company now makes less than 100 patterns, compared with 185 before the war. However, production on some of the company’s nationally advertised lines is at present “many times” what it was before the war. This spokesman said the company’s prices have not increased more than 30 per cent over prewar levels on any lines, but he estimated costs of labor, raw materials, and supplies such as tissue paper, boxes, and buffing compounds have increased 85 to 125 per cent. A spokesman for the International Silver Co., said the company now makes less than half the number of patterns produced before the war. He could not estimate when production on all lines would be resumed.

Source: Hardware Age - 14th August 1947

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