The York Trade After the Closure of the Assay Office

[dognose]

ENOCH JOHN SILTBERG

aka E. J. Siltberg-Stanhope & Co., and E.S. Stanhope & Co.

14, Fishergate, later, 10, Colliergate, later, 7, Spurriergate, later, 17, Coney Street, York


Transit box - E.S. Stanhope & Co.

Enoch Siltberg was a Swede who arrived in York following employment with the important watch and chronometer makers and Royal Warrant holders, E. Dent & Co. (see: http://www.dentlondon.com/about/history.php for history of this firm). In the early 1880's he was located at 14, Fishergate, and in 1883 he removed to 10, Colliergate. The following year, 1884, saw him relocate again, this time to 7, Spurriergate and by 1900 he had moved yet again, this time to 17, Coney Street, with the business now styled E. Siltberg Stanhope & Co.

On the 14th July 1904 Enoch John Siltberg Stanhope took the Oath of Allegiance (Promissory Oaths Act 1868). The notification of this event appeared in the 'London Gazette' of 2nd December 1904 and recorded Siltberg Stanhope's address as Yew Villa, Heworth, York. It was probably in the next few years after this event that the Siltberg part of the name was dropped, as with the advent of WWI, there were many who anglicized their names as anyone with a 'foreign sounding' name may have become a target for vandels. The was especially true in this part of the country following the bombardment of Scarborough by the German fleet in 1914.

The transit box illustrated shows the the business was later styled as E.S. Stanhope & Co., perhaps now in the hands of another member of the family.


To the Editor of the Watchmaker, Jeweler, Silversmith and Optician

The Case of Mr. Siltberg

Sir,—I notice in your paper of the 1st ult., that you have referred to a case tried at the last assizes in York between Mr. Enoch John Siltberg of York, and Mr. C. E. Simpson, and, as your report does not contain a full account of the facts, I am sure you will be glad to receive the following :

In December last Mr. Siltberg was looking out for suitable premises in a central position in York, the premises which he then occupied having been bought by the Corporation. By many misrepresentations Mr. Simpson induced him to purchase a house and shop in Spurriergate for £2,000. Subsequently Mr. Siltberg ascertained that Mr. Simpson s statements were untrue, and that the true value of the property was much below £1,000, Mr. Simpson having purchased it four years ago for £650. Mr. Siltberg then made an offer to Mr. Simpson to pay him £50 to relieve him of his contract. Mr. Siltberg was prepared to increase this to £150, hut Mr. Simpson flatly refused to rescind the contract. Mr. Siltberg took proceedings in the High Court of Justice to relieve himself of the contract, and the case was heard at York before the Lord Chief Justice, and ended in Mr. Siltberg losing his £100 deposit and paying £25 to Mr. Simpson, but what most he wished was granted by the Court, namely, that he should not be compelled to take the property, that being the purpose for which he commenced his action.

I trust to your fairness to insert this letter, and remain

yours faithfully,
J. H. Turner.

Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 2nd October 1893

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[MCB]

He had indeed dropped the name Siltberg by the time of the 1911 UK Census which recorded him as Enoch John Stanhope, a jewellery shop keeper aged 52 years, still living at Yew Villa with his wife Grace born in Liverpool and aged 48 along with two children, daughter Olive aged 22 and son Harold Enoch Godfrey aged 15, both born in York.
The death of a John Enoch Stanhope, late of Ringston, 16 Trenton Road, Worthing was registered in Worthing, Sussex in 1951. He was born around 1859. The value of this person's estate recorded at the London Registry in the year of his death in the name John Enoch Siltberg Stanhope was £12649.

Mike

[dognose]

WILLIAM SKELTON

Described as Silversmith & Jeweller of 25, Davygate, in 1834, and as a Working Jeweller of 38, Stonegate in 1838, and of 10, Feasegate in 1843, and of 1, Feasegate in 1846, 1849, 1861, and 1867.

William Skelton died on the 27th September 1874, aged 62 years.

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GEORGE MERRIMAN

63, Low Petergate, York



To the right of the above image, taken in 1892, is the premises of George Merriman, at 63, Low Petergate where he describes himself on the shopfront as a Pawnbroker & Silversmith, and on the lamp, as Pawnbroker, Jeweller, & General Salesman. George Merriman was born about 1854 in Staverton, a village half way between Gloucester and Cheltenham. He appears in the 1881 census at York, described as a Pawnbroker, and also as a Widower. His business must have been a reasonable size as the census reveals that he had one Assistant, Arthur R. Brake, and no less than four apprentices, Charles Simpson, Alfred Haxby, Arthur McQuade, and Frederick B. Harrison, all living on the premises. The Address recorded was 61, Petergate.

The 1891 census, shows that Merriman was still a Widower, and now employing three Assistants, two Apprentices, a Housekeeper and a Servant, the address recorded was 60, 61, 62, and 63, Low Petergate.

An Assistant, Charles Atkinson, was noted as being employed in 1905.

There is a tragic tale connected with these premises, it concerns George's eldest son, William Merriman, who was a 38 year old soldier serving with the 2nd/5th Battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment. William was at home on sick leave in July 1917 having received an injury to his arm, he was also suffering severely from depression. On the night before he was due to start his journey back to rejoin his regiment in France, he entered the warehouse at the rear of his father's premises, climbed a ladder with a rope around his neck and then shot himself in the head with a revolver. His suspended body was discovered in the morning by one of his father's assistants.

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[dognose]

ROBERT WARD

Local directories record Robert Ward as a Working Jeweller & Silversmith, located at 6, Coney Street (1851), 5, Davygate (1858, 1861, & 1867), and at 9, Stonegate (1880).


MONTHLY RECORD OF BANKRUPTCIES

Liquidations by Arrangement or Composition

"Ward, Robt., Stonegate, York, jeweller & silversmith. Feb. 27. J. C. James, sol., York.

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

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BRITTON & HEWETT

City Chambers, Clifford Street, York

Charles Ernest Britton and William Hewett entered their mark, 'B & H' contained within an oblong punch, with the Chester Assay Office on the 5th May 1908. They were described as Jewellers and Engravers.

Their private residences as recorded by the Chester Assay Office:

William Hewett, 5, Thorpe Street, York
Charles Ernest Britton, 16, Cromer Street, York

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[dognose]

ARTHUR EDGAR HOPPER


Arthur Hopper established his jeweller's business at 13, New Street, York, in 1926 before moving to 32a, Coney Street. He relocated to, firstly 6, later 15, Lendal, York, in 1950.


A.E. Hopper - York - 1960

The firm's name was later restyled to A.E. Hopper & Son, and following the death of Arthur Hopper on the 21st April 1983, the business was continued by Arthur's son, John Christopher Hopper. The business was acquired in 1994 by the Huddersfield jewellers, Stanley and Richard Fillan, whose business has been established since 1852. The firm was restyled to Hopper of York, but was closed down by Fillans, who had opened a branch under their own name at Stonegate in 2004, in 2010.


ENGAGEMENT

The engagement is announced between John Christopher, the elder son of Mr. and Mrs. A.E. Hopper of The Lodge, Tollerton, York, and partner with his father in the firm of A.E. Hopper & Sons, jewellers, 15, Lendal, York, and Margaret Jean, the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Illingworth of The Manor House, Birdsall, Malton.

Source: Watchmaker, Jeweller & Silversmith - January 1961


The business of A.E. Hopper & Son entered a mark 'AEH & S', with the Sheffield Assay Office on the 3rd October 1975.

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[dognose]

D. JACKSON

Clifford Street, York

Presentation to Mr. C. H. Tripp.
This casket was presented to Mr. C. H. Tripp on the occasion of his leaving York. It is of oak, beautifully carved and mounted with silver, having a very rich effect. On the lid is a finely modelled figure of St. George and the Dragon. The main part of the body is divided by a number of panels with large pilasters, having columns with emblematic heads representing virtues and graces of life. Two of the York " bars ' are shown on the obverse and two on the reverse, the centre panel on the obverse being occupied with a view of the Minster, and that on the reverse by the inscription. The arms, crest, and motto of the recipient are shown at various intervals on the lid. There are also other suitable decorations on the lid. The latter is made to open in the usual way, being fitted with a lock and key, and lined with plush. Mr. D. Jackson, of Clifford-street, York, was the successful competitor in each of these cases, and the caskets were all manufactured in their usual excellence by T. and J. Bragg, Birmingham.

Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 1st January 1894

Jackson is recorded as a Jeweller at Clifford Street in Kelly's York Directory 1901.

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CHARLES HENRY BAINES

15a, Coney Street, and Havelock Terrace, Cemetery Road, York

Bankruptcy Proceedings
Baines, Charles Henry, 15a, Coney Street, and Havelock Terrace, Cemetery Road, York, Optician, &c. March 30. Examination at the York Court, on April 10, at 12.

Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 5th May 1885

Perhaps to be identified with Henry Baines, the former apprentice of William Whitwell?

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LIONEL HARRIS WOLF

3, Low Ousegate, York

Bankruptcy Proceedings
WOLF, Lionel Harris, 3, Low Ousegate, York. Jeweller, and Dealer in Watches. April 10. Examination at the York Court, on May 1, at Eleven.

Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 5th May 1885

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ROBERT HUNTER

10, Spurriergate and Waterloo Place, York

MONTHLY RECORD OF BANKRUPTCIES

Liquidations by Arrangement or Composition

Hunter, Robert, 10, Spurriergate and Waterloo Place, both York, watchmaker. October 2. G. Cumbie, sol., York.

Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 5th November 1878

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[MCB]

More information for some of the York residents named in the previous posts:

ROBERT WARD
He was born about 1829 in Helmsley in Rydale, Yorkshire.
He appears in the 1851 UK Census as a working jeweller living with naturalist David Graham and his wife in Jabbergate, York.
He married Ellen Baines in York in 1852.
He was listed in 1861 as a working jeweller at 5 Davygate, York where he lived with his wife Ellen, 5 of their children aged from 4 months to 7 years, all born in York and a female servant aged 15 years.
In 1871 he was recorded as a working jeweller and silversmith at the same address living with his new wife Mary J and 6 children aged from 4-17 years, all born in York. He employed 1 boy. One of his sons Henry B was an apprentice watch maker and another Robert an apprentice jeweller.
He was listed in 1881 at 9 Stonegate, York as a working master jeweller employing an apprentice named Thomas Hartnoll. He was married to Mary. 2 sons aged 14 and 15 years lived with them.
He was a widower in 1891, still a jeweller, living at 11 Lower Eldon Street, York with his son Henry B, also a jeweller and a daughter Ellen aged 29 years.
He was in Hull in 1901 living at 154 Park Avenue, Sculcoates where he was listed as a retired tailor living with another new wife Susannah. This is the last record found for him.

CHARLES ERNEST BRITTON
He was born about 1882 in Douglas, Isle of Man.
In 1891 the Census recorde him living with his mother at 3 Kingwood Grove, Douglas.
In 1911 he was listed as a watch maker, jeweller and shopkeeper living at 10 Gillgate, York with his wife Winifred.

ARTHUR EDGAR HOPPER
The death of his son John Christopher Hopper born in 1931 was registered in York in 2006.

CHARLES HENRY BAINES
He was born in 1862 the son of James Baines a carrier and his wife Jane.
He was listed living with his parents and siblings at 1 Portland Street, York in 1871.
In 1881 he lived with his mother and siblings at 20 Blake Street, York where he was listed as an optician.
He married Caroline Anne Hall in York in 1885.
After the bankruptcy proceedings in 1885 they went to Liverpool where their first son was born in 1886, then to London in 1890 where their second son was born. Charles was listed as an optician in the 1891 Census living with his wife and 2 sons at 65 Kay Road, Stockwell, Lambeth.
This is the last record found for the family in the UK.

LIONEL HARRIS WOLF
He was born Levi Harris Wolfe in Sunderland around 1857 and was listed in the 1861 and 1871 Census records as Harris Wolfe living in Sunderland and Bishop Wearmouth respectively with his parents Joseph a pawnbroker and his wife Amelia. He had become a pawnbroker’s assistant by 1871.
The 1881 UK Census recorded him lodging at Queen’s Hotel, Hertford Street, Coventry where his trade was reported as commercial.
He married Fanny Joel in Coventry in 1881.
By 1891 he was listed as a financial agent living at 24 St Mary’s, York with his wife and two daughters one aged 7 years born in Haxby, Yorkshire and the other aged 1 year born in York.
The death of a Levi Harris Wolfe born around 1856 registered in Christchurch, Hampshire in 1894 may be relevant.

Mike

[dognose]

T. COOK(E) & SONS

Coney Street and Bishophill Senior

MONTHLY RECORD OF BANKRUPTCIES

Cook, Hannah, Chas. Frederick Cook & Thos. Cook, trdg. as T. Cook & Sons, York, opticians, engineers, clock makers, &c. Mar. 22. At North Eastern Hotel, York, Apr. 16, at 2. J. P., H. & J. R. Wood, sols., York.

Cook, Chas. Frdk., Gate Fulford, Yorks, & York, optician, engnr., clock maker &c. (sep. crdtrs.) March 22. At North Eastern Hotel, York, Apr. 16, at 3. J. P., H. & J. R. Wood, sols., York.

Cook, Thos., Gate Fulford, Yorks, & York, optician, engnr., clock maker, &c. (sep. crdtrs.) Mar. 22. At North Eastern Hotel, York, April 16, at 3½. J. P., H. & J. R. Wood, sols., York.

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

The above would refer to Thomas Cooke & Sons, Coney Street; works, Bishophill senior. See earlier post under 'Kelly's Directory of the Watch & Clock Trades 1880'


The scientific instrument manufacturing business of T. Cooke & Sons was started byThomas Cooke in York in 1837. He was a self-taught optical engineer of great ability who in 1855 built his own factory on Bishophill, York, producing a great range of goods from spectacles, telescopes and surveying equipment to sundials, clocks and lathes. On his death in 1868 his sons took over the firm which continued to expand and export goods worldwide particularly astronomical and surveying equipment. By the turn of the century defence products for the home market had also become an important field and in 1914 a new factory was built on Bishophill to cope with war work. In 1915 the control of Cooke's was acquired by Vickers Ltd., the engineering firm of shipbuilding and aircraft fame, who had long had an interest in the military side of Cooke products such as rangefinders, gunsights and surveying instruments adapted to military needs. Cooke's continued to expand in York and in 1922 they amalgamated with the long established instrument-making firm of Troughton & Simms Ltd of London. The new firm became Cooke, Troughton & Simms Ltd and in 1924 it became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vickers.

Source: Essay on the Vickers Collection - Alison Brech - 2002

Link to an article that contains information on Thomas Cooke: http://www.pocklingtonhistory.com/archi ... omascooke/

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FOWLER & CHAPMAN

5, Micklegate, York

PARTNERSHIPS DISSOLVED

Frederick Fowler and Gerald Wilfrid Chapman, Micklegate, York, jewellers, clothiers, and general salesman and pawnbrokers.

Source: The Jeweller and Metalworker - 1st December 1885


Notice is hereby given, that the Partnership heretofore subsisting between us the undersigned, Frederick Fowler and Gerald Wilfred Chapman, both of No. 5, Micklegate, in the city of York, and carrying on the businesses of Jewellers, Clothiers, and General Salesmen and Pawnbrokers, at No. 5, Micklegate, in the city of York aforesaid, under the style of Fowler and Chapman, has this day been dissolved by mutual consent ; and that all debts owing to and from the said firm will be received and paid by the said Gerald Wilfred Chapman, who will in future carry on the said businesses on his own account.–Dated this 17th day of November, 1885.

Frederick Fowler
Gerald W. Chapman

Source: The London Gazette - 20th November 1885

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WILLIAM LEE

Stonegate, York


CLOSING DOWN

Mr. William Lee, dealer in silver and antiques, is to leave his shop in Stonegate, York, which he opened in 1935, when the lease expires shortly. The business of Wm. and L. Lee, which he started in 1924, will then close. Mr. Lee is chairman of the Harrogate Antique Dealer's Fair and will continue to hold this position and will also be an exhibitor at it. He plans to devote more time to public life - he is a member of York City Council and interested in welfare work - and to do research work into York silverware.

Source: Watchmaker, Jeweller & Silversmith - March 1960

William Lee went on to write the book, York Silver, 1475-1858: A short history of York silver, together with an illustrated catalogue of the William Lee Collection now on permanent loan in the Treasury, York Minster Undercroft, that was published in 1972.

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W. GRANT & SON

Spurriergate, York


OBITUARY

Mr. Clifford J. Grant, proprietor of the old-established York jewellers, W. Grant & Son, Spurriergate. He was 56. Mr. Grant had 40 years in the jewellery business which he took over from his father. The shop itself is the oldest shopfront in Spurriergate. Outside business, Mr. Grant was a founder-member of York Round Table and also of the 41 club. He was chairman of the York Round Table for the past two years. For the last four years he produced shows for the Monkgate Methodist Dramatic Society. He leaves a widow, Mrs. Brenda Grant, who intends to carry on the business.

Source: Watchmaker, Jeweller & Silversmith - April 1961

William Grant's business was the continuation of that of Elizabeth Epworth's (see above post).

William Grant registered his mark 'WG' with the Birmingham Assay Office on the 21st March 1911.

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ERNEST SHEPHERD

Shambles, York


OBITUARY

Mr. William Turton, at the age of 49. He had not recovered from injuries sustained two years ago during a raid on the jeweller's Ernie Shepherd, of York, where he was acting a manager.

Source: Watchmaker, Jeweller & Silversmith - August 1961


Ernie Shepherd, a Jeweller, and millionaire from speculations on the Stock Market, was also the owner of the York Empire theatre (now the Grand Opera House) from 1958 until 1985. He died in 1989.

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There has lately been exhibited for sale, in the shop of a York jeweller, a silver vase which bears an inscription to the effect that it was presented, as a mark of affection and esteem, by Dr. Rowley Hill, the late Bishop of Sodor and Man, to Dr. Thompson, the late Archbishop of York. Surely, considering that the archbishop left about £50,000 behind him, his executors might have refrained from allowing a personal gift of this description to be hawked about; but, at the same time, we admire the enterprise of the tradesman who is showing it.

Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 1st June 1891

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WILLIAM FRANCIS GREENWOOD

23a & 24, Stonegate, York, and 10, Royal Parade, Harrogate


William Francis Greenwood entered his mark, 'W.F.G' contained within an heraldic shield, with the London Assay Office on the 2nd September 1897.

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THOMAS CREASER

Toft Green, York

Perhaps a little early for this topic, but worth recording:


THE COURT FOR RELIEF OF INSOLVENT DEBTORS

The following PRISONERS, whose Estates and Effects have been vested in the Provisional Assignee by Order of the Court, having filed their Schedules, are ordered to be brought up before a Commissioner on Circuit, to be dealt with according to the Statute, as follows:
At the Court-House, at York, in the County of York, on Wednesday the 21st day of February 1844, at Ten o'clock in the Forenoon precisely.

Thomas Creaser, late of Toft-green, York, Watchmaker.

Source: The London Gazette - 30th January 1844

Thomas was the brother of Luke Creaser, who served his apprenticeship with Hampston, Prince & Cattles, and who was recorded as a Goldsmith and Jeweller of Fossgate, York. See: http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic ... ser#p36218

Thomas Creaser was Free by patrimony 21st October 1815. He was recorded in the Poll books at York as a Watchmaker of Toft Green in 1818, 1820 and 1830.

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