The Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade

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GOLD-PLATED SKATES

Solihull, Warwickshire


Gold-plated roller skates with a diamond in each wheel hub and costing £10,000, were made by the Solihull firm of N. & R. Green to commemorate the changing of the firm's name to Morris-Vulcan.

The skates were the two millionth pair produced at the Solihull factory.

Source: Jeweller and Metalworker - 15th February 1972

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DIAMOND ROBBERY

London


An extraordinary robbery was, on Saturday, the 15th ult., made known to the police authorities at Bow Street, London. It appears that on Friday night a gentleman, a member of a large firm of diamond merchants, of Bois-le-Duc, Holland, and staying at the Charing Cross Hotel, after doing business with a firm in Hatton Garden, was returning to the hotel between 9 and 10 o'clock. When passing through a street out of Holborn, he states that he became faint and sat upon a doorstep. On recovering he found that his watch and chain were gone, as well as a small leather bag, containing a large quantity of precious stones, which he values at £26,000, there being no fewer than 98 uncut Waterkloof diamonds, weighing from two to ten carats, and all of great brilliancy and lustre, besides emeralds, pearls, rubies, and sapphires. A reward of £1,000 is offered for the recovery of the property.

Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 5th December 1879

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INTERNATIONAL SILVER COMPANY HOLD PRICES

Meriden, Connecticut


There is every justification today for raising prices. Silver has been raised by legislative fiat from 71.11 cents an ounce to 90.5 cents an ounce, an increase of 27 percent. Labor costs have risen from 40-60 percent and the prices of materials and supplies have advanced substantially.

Nevertheless, we do not plan to raise prices on any International Silver Company lines during 1946, with the possible exception of a few items of
holloware.

We have decided on this policy because we believe that the interest of the industry will be better served by keeping prices down than by raising prices, however well justified the increases may be. We have great faith in the future of the silverware business and it is our firm opinion that the bright prospects for silverware can be enhanced and prolonged by keeping the prices of our product well within the reach of the buying public.

The International Silver Company has made no significant price increases since the war and at no time have we applied to OPA for price release on any line in any quality or price range from sterling silver to the most inexpensive plate.

This will continue to be our price policy until further notice.

Source: Statement released by the International Silver Company, Meriden, Connecticut - 25th July 1946

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ROGERS SILVER PLATE COMPANY

Danbury, Connecticut


A new plating room will be shortly added to the works of the Rogers Silver Plate Company, of Danbury, Conn., manufacturers of gold and silver plated novelties. They will also begin the manufacture of ormolu gold wares on an extensive scale.

Source: The Metal Industry - December 1906

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JOSEPH LOY

Meriden, Connecticut


The funeral of Joseph Loy, former general foreman of the Meriden Silver Plate Co., who died last week, was held Saturday afternoon from his late home, 79 Randolph Ave. The burial was in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Mr. Loy had been a resident of this city for over 45 years. He was a native of Sheffield, Eng., and came to Meriden in 1867. He was born in 1849. He entered the employ of the Casper Parker Co., but resigned to accept a position with the Meriden Silver Plate Co. He remained there until all the factories combined several years ago, forming the International Silver Co., when he entered the service of the Barbour Silver Co., of this city. He leaves his widow, five sons, two daughters and two brothers.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 12th February 1913

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THE BRITISH INDUSTRIES FAIR - 1952

London


Jewellers and Silversmiths Book Extra Space for 1952 B.I.F.


The National Jewellers’ Association announces that more than 120 firms of jewellers, silversmiths and allied trades have booked space at the 1952 British Industries Fair to be held from May 5 to 16.

For the 1951 Festival Year Fair a total of 142 firms staged a special exposition of the industry’s craft and latest productions, occupying 30,361 sq. ft. of stand space. Already the space booked for 1952 has exceeded 32,000 sq. ft.

Designs for the layout of what is popularly called “ Millionaires’ Row ” in the National Hall at Olympia, London, are not yet complete. Several changes are anticipated this year. One innovation visualised by the two trade associations is a centrally-placed composite booth to be shared with the National Jewellers’ Association. The booth would provide a central bureau where buyers and press from home and overseas could obtain the fullest information of exhibits and exhibiting firms and also details of sections of the industry not represented within the Fair.

The National Jewellers’ Association state that in spite of difficulties which beset jewellers, silversmiths and horologists at the present time, individual members of the industry are keeping well up with contemporary design to meet the newest trends of fashion and public taste in all parts of the world. Buyers visiting the 1952 British Industries Fair will find firms maintaining a bold and optimistic outlook,

Although a large number of new developments are now in course of preparation for the next British Industries Fair many details will not be known until early in the New Year. Nevertheless, the National Jewellers’ Association are able to point to some interesting new lines in the field of costume jewellery, watches, and cutlery.

A number of leading firms will show completely new ranges of costume jewellery. These will feature some of the latest imitation stones, such as very fine synthetic moonstones and opals in modern settings. Other stones will be set in brooches, necklets, ear-rings and bracelets to match new claw settings designed for strength and durability. One well-known company will show imitation pearls of very fine quality, including three-row bracelets set on spring wire. The bracelets slip easily over the hand and are claimed to be much stronger and safer than roped pearls strung on thread.

Many new lines of watches, cases, straps and watch bracelets will be, shown—in all standards of gold, silver, rolled gold, nickel chrome and steel. One novel design of watch bracelets to be supplied in chromium, one-tenth quality rolled gold, 18 carat gold, or 9 carat gold metal lined, is a fully flexible snake pattern with a patented spring arrangement which allows the article to be pulled over the hand. There is no snap on the bracelet, but two long compression springs inside reduce the possibility of breakage to a minimum.

New lines shown by a firm specializing in the manufacture of scissors, tweezers and manicure sets will include fine leather scissor and manicure outfits which comprise three pairs of scissors in various sizes set in an attractive silk-lined zipper leather case.

Source: Board of Trade Journal - 24th November 1951

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ABRAHAM MARKS

New York


Mr. Abraham Marks, who for many years was employed by Theo. B. Starr, Reed & Barton, Silversmiths, of Fifth Avenue, has for the past three years been conducting business under the firm of Allen Marks, at 7-11 West 45th Street, as jewelers and silversmiths, and doing good business. Mr. Marks is a deaf-mute, who graduated from the Lexington Avenue School.

Source: Deaf-Mutes' Journal - 25th August 1927

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FIRE AT MANUFACTURING JEWELERS

Providence, Rhode Island


Three girls and a man had narrow escapes in a fire which destroyed one room of Thomas A. Jackson & Company’s manufacturing jewelry plant on the fifth floor of the Calender building, Calender and Sabin streets, on the afternoon of April 24. Almost before they were aware of it the corner of the room in which they were working was all ablaze and, panic-stricken, the girls were forced to flee down a fire escape, followed by Bernard Peterson, senior member of the jewelry firm of Peterson & Company, on the same floor.

Source: The Metal Industry - May 1912

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E.A. BLISS Co. - NAPIER BLISS Co.

Meriden, Connecticut


At a recent meeting of the stockholders of the E. A. Bliss Company, Meriden, Conn., manufacturers of table silverware, it was voted that the name of the corporation be changed to The Napier Bliss Company. The officers of the company will be the same as heretofore. James H. Napier, president; William E. Bliss, vice-president; Harry M. Smith, secretary and treasurer; Edward A. Schwartz, sales manager.

Source: The Metal Industry - January 1921

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JEWELERS SUFFER BY HUGE DYNAMITE EXPLOSION

Seattle


Seattle Jewelers Suffer in Dynamite Explosion Which Shakes County for Fifty Miles Around the City

SEATTLE, Wash., June 2.—Damage estimated to be from $75,000 to $125,000 was done to Seattle property when 15 tons of dynamite consigned to the Russian government was blown up in the harbor. Coming without warning at 2 o'clock in the morning of Decoration Day the shock aroused the entire city by its tremendous crash and roar. The terrific force of the explosion shook the country for 50 miles around the city, shaking even the strongest buildings and lighting up the entire sky.

The largest part of the damage is due to the breaking of large plate glass windows in the business section of the city. Although the powder was stored in the center of the harbor on a scow, the shock broke the thick glass like tissue paper; windows were reported broken as far away as the cities of Everett and Bremerton.

D. L. Dover, at 618 First Ave., had his large show window broken and lost $250 worth of merchandise, which was stolen. The Adler Jewelry Co., at 916 First Ave., was damaged to the extent of one place glass window and several smaller ones. In the store of A. Hansen two large windows above the display windows were broken. A heavy casing in the top of the window became loose and crashed down into a display of valuable sterling flatware, causing about $500 in damage.

The Bazaar at 1406 First Ave. reports the loss of $100 worth of goods stolen from their window when it was broken. Although Graham & Victor, 821 Second Ave., did not have any windows broken, several stones which were set in rings by the repair department the previous day, were forced out of their settings by the tremendous pressure exerted. The same thing occurred in another store on First Ave.

Both large windows were broken in the store of A. B. Jones, 1327 Fourth Ave., and two windows in D. Levy’s store at 1100 First Ave. were smashed. T. J. Carrol, 323 Pike St., had a plate glass window at his store cracked all the way across. Other damage was also done.

Owing to the excellent manner in which the police department handled the situation, the only cases of thefts reported are those mentioned above.

In comparison with the losses of other merchants the jewelers were very fortunate since they suffered far less. All of the people mentioned above were covered by insurance on their stores and stocks.

Due to the shaking of the buildings dust was dislodged and thrown over everything, those who were fortunate enough not to have their windows broken were obliged to put in a whole day cleaning up their stock.

Detectives are using every means to find some trace of the man or men responsible for the explosion of the dynamite on board the scow.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 9th June 1915

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MARTIN, COPELAND & Co.

Providence, Rhode Island


Sylvester G. Martin, of Martin, Copeland & Co., manufacturing jewelers, of 100 Richmond Street, Providence, was found dead in bed at his residence, 355, Broadway, on the morning of January 15th. Mr. Martin came to Providence when a mere boy. He was first in the flour and oil business as a member of the firm of Martin & Wolcott. Later he was with Daniels & Cornell, and eighteen years ago he engaged in the manufacture of jewelry as a partner in the firm of Martin, Copeland & Co.

Source: The Keystone - February 1898

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POLITICIAN SPOKE TOO SOON!

St. Louis


The Attleboro jewelry industry received an odd advertisement at the Democratic National Convention last week. A large party of politicians were gathered in the convention hall during an intermission of business, comparing souvenirs. “What I like,” said Hon. Jeremiah McNamara, “is a souvenir which has something to do with the place where it was purchased. Now this is of and from St. Louis.” He displayed with pride a silver bag tag with an engraved picture of Festival Hall at the Exposition. Then for the first time he looked at the reverse side and found the name of an Attleboro maker. His chagrin was humorously exploited by the western press.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 13th July 1904

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HAMPER FOR FAITHFUL 'CHAR'

Birmingham


Mr. W.R.P. King, managing director of The Birmingham Mint, presented a Christmas hamper to Miss Alice Dodwell, aged 81, who had been an office "char" at the mint for 17 years and had never missed a day. She has special responsibility for cleaning the boardroom and the managing director's office.

Source: Jeweller and Metalworker - 1st January 1972

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POOLE SILVER Co.

Taunton, Massachusetts


At a recent meeting of the Poole Silver Company, Taunton, Mass., the following officers were elected: President and Treasurer, Willard W. Lemaire; Secretary and Clerk, M. L. Poole; Superintendent, H. L. Massey. The election of new officers was necessary through the death of some members of the firm. The new management will continue to silver plated hollow ware the same as before.

Source: The Metal Industry - April 1907

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A GIANT NUGGET

San Francisco


There is at present on exhibition in Wells, Fargo & Co ’s bank at San Francisco a bit of auriferous rock that any individual might, be glad to possess. It might be a little cumbersome as a ‘‘specimen ’’ scarfpin, but when the wearer reflected that it was worth between $6000 and $7000, he might be braced up to making the extra exertion. The nugget is one of the finest ever unearthed in California, both in size and richness. It is irregular in shape, and about the size of an ordinary Derby hat. That there is very little rock and a great deal of gold in it may be determined by its weight, which is 35 pounds troy. Quartz of this sort is usually worth $200 per pound, and, allowing the large margin of $1000 for rock, the nugget would be worth $6000. The exposed rock and great gobs of gold that hang out of its sides so as to nearly hide all other composition, and make it appear almost a melted metal, are not jagged or rough, but, on the contrary, are polished smooth and in a manner that only water is capable of. The proprietors of the nugget are Messrs. Hayes & Steeleman, of Sierra City, and they have left it on exhibition for a few days before disposing of it. At the bank it attracts much attention, but the employes could furnish no information concerning it beyond that it came from Sierra County and near Sierra.

Source: San Francisco Examiner - January 1887

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GEORGE HANDY SMITH

Philadelphia


State Senator George Handy Smith, of this city, who died recently, was formerly a silversmith and diamond setter. He was for more than twenty years a Senator of the State of Pennsylvania.

Source: The Keystone - May 1898

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NORTHERN GOLDSMITHS - WALKER & HALL

United Kingdom


A Safe Bet on Jewellery

Keep an eye on Tony Gover, the Southend-based insurance broker dedicated to turning the once low-profile Newcastle upon Tyne based Northern Goldsmiths concern into a national enterprise.

When he acquired his controlling stake early last year, the company had a distinctly parochial air. The jewellery and betting shops which make up its interests were largely located in the North East.

Gover started to change that quickly, adding betting shops further south, and boldly investing in a very profitable jewellery retailer based in Brighton.

Two new deals could substantially add to existing interests and bring in a new one. Gover has bought from Sears the Walker and Hall jewellery retailing concern, and injected into Northern his own insurance broking interests.

His timing in buying Walker and Hall could not have been better, for the company had run into some problems. The price Glover has paid reflects this. But Walker and Hall is already well on the road to recovery and will contribute handsomely to Northern's profits.

Retail jewellery has not been having a easy time, and Gover has shrewdly decided to concentrate on the upmarket end, best placed to weather storms.

Source: Chief Executive - September 1984

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CANADIANS VISIT ENGLISH SILVERSMITHS

Sheffield


In the course of their provincial tour the members of the Canadian Manufacturers’ Association visited Sheffield on the 28th inst, They were the guests of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, who entertained them to luncheon at the Cutlers’ Hall. Several works representative of the heavy and light industries of the city were visited, the Canadians being divided into parties for the purpose. At the East End, where the heavy trades are carried on, the works visited were Vickers, Sons and Maxim, Hadfield’s Steel Foundry, Cammell, Laird and Co., Thomas Firth and Sons, William Jessop and Sons, and William Cooke and Co.; in cutlery, silver, and plating the Canadians saw the works of Joseph Rodgers and Sons, James Dixon and Sons, Walker and Hall, Mappin and Webb, William Hutton and Sons, and Thomas Turner and Co.; and the list also included the Spring Grove Paper Mills of Messrs. Peter Dixon and Sons, Oughtibridge. In the evening the Canadians attended a reception by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Sheffield at the Town Hall, The next morning they left for Leeds.

Source: The Engineer - 30th June 1905

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GEORGE MAYER & Co.

Philadelphia


Gas escaping from a main which had frozen and burst nearly asphyxiated the force of George Mayer & Co., manufacturing opticians, 728 Sansom St. a few days ago. An employe of the United Gas Improvement Co., called in the emergency, was overcome by the fumes and removed from the store to the hospital. The gas main froze in the basement during the night and burst shortly after the store opened. The fumes quickly filled the basement and first floor, affecting the employes before they realized what had happened. There was a general exodus to the street until the main was shut off and the broken pipe replaced.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 20th February 1918

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ELLIS-BARKER

New York


Superior Italian craftsmanship creates a cobra skin effect on an unusual 18-karat watchband from the MVM gold jewelry firm, now represented in America by Ellis-Barker Silver Companies, 225 Fifth Avenue, New York. Two nuances of yellow gold are meticulously handcrafted into thousands of links forming the cobra patterned band. Retail price is $400.

Source: American Horologist and Jeweler - October 1967

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