BLJ (1828) Exeter mark attribution

[mk209]

Barnet Lyon Joseph born June 29th 1801 in Falmouth, Cornwall, died October 26th 1880 in Birmingham, West Midlands.

Barnet Lyon was the son of Lyon Joseph (a successful shipping merchant who ended up a broken man after losing money in trades and shipments) and Judith Joseph. He was one of many children of a large family. He married Betsy Jacobs (record not known but approx 1826), Betsy was the daughter of Miriam Jacobs a silversmith and pawnbroker. Miriam is listed as a silversmith in 1841 Bedford St. Plymouth.
Barnet Lyon's sister Arabella married Solomon Levy the Bristol silversmith and Jeweller.

The BLJ mark is only known to exist for the year 1828, Barnet Lyon was living in Bristol during that date (Records of his children born in Bristol). Barnet Lyon Joseph was known and mentioned in many documents as B.L. Joseph.

Barnet Is listed in historical documents as a silversmith, two of his sons emigrated to America where they are known as very successful business men.

Barnet is also listed in Liverpool papers as having a business dealing in silverwares, he was active in the Liverpool community 1838 onwards but eventually moved to Birmingham to retire.

The only known examples (so far) of his work appear on teaspoons dated Exeter 1828. There is no over marking and they consist of the letters BLJ in an Old English font. The teaspoons are of light weight 14.5 grams and appear to have been made by stamping. They would most likely have been made in Simon Levy's workshop as there are strong similarities with his work but more examination of Simon's work is needed.

Example of Barnet's mark is to be found here:

http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic ... 51&t=51995

Matt.

[silvermakersmarks]

Great work, Matt! That is enough to convince me.

Phil

[dognose]

Hi Matt,

Barnet Lyon Joseph was recorded in the 'Cutlers and Hardwaremen' section of Pigot and Co.'s National Commercial Directory, located at 92, Bold Street, Liverpool in 1837.

Trev.

[dognose]

I'm wondering now if there is a family connection with the goldsmith Barnet Henry Joseph?

See: B.H. Joseph & Co. - Birmingham

Trev.

[dognose]

Notice is hereby given, that the Partnership subsisting between us the undersigned, Benedictus Joseph and Barnet Joseph, as Silversmiths and Pawnbrokers, carrying on business in the Parish of Allhallows on the Walls, in the City of Exeter, under the firm of B. & B. Joseph was dissolved by mutual consent on the 1st day of January last. As witness our hands the 11th March in the year of our Lord 1829.
B. Joseph
Barnet Joseph

Source: The London Gazette - 21st April 1829

Trev.

[mk209]

Barnet Lyon Joseph married Betsy Jacob in 1823.

He is listed as a watchmaker, jeweller & silversmith in Falmouth, Cornwall in the 1830’s

[mk209]

B & B Joseph is listed operating in Exeter 1828.

It is most likely that the Barnet Joseph named is Barnet Lyon as the other candidate Barnet Joseph is listed as a wollen draper.

There is no trace of Benedictus, Ben or Benedictus was mostly used as a middle name.

[mk209]

Barnets son Josephus B Joseph was born in Falmouth in 1828. Barnet Lyon came back to his birthplace during 1828 which ties into the date of his silvermarks, he is listed in Pigots being a silversmith and jeweller in Falmouth.

Matt.

[mk209]

B & B Joseph 137 Fore st. Exeter was in business during 1828 as a pawnbroker and silversmiths. Barnet Lyon Joseph and his brother Benedict Joseph were in business together. Benedict carried on the pawnbroker part after Barnet left the business.

[dognose]

Barnet Lyon Joseph (1801-80) was recorded as President of the Bristol Hebrew Congregation and a founder of a Liverpool Congregation.

Source: Journal of the Australian Jewish Historical Society - 1964

Trev.