Howell, James & Co. Lid - Lots of Marks !

[mrs vintage]

I am returning to give uploading an image of this interesting item a try.

I know most will think I am crazy but I came across this silver metal lid (it has screw marks inside) with the most beautiful etching/chasing. It has tons of marks, yet none seem to fit with the standard number which sterling silver should have, hence I am placing it here.

I have been researching this on and off for about five years - and so far know that James Howell produced top quality items 1819-1911. They were also a part of the Art Furnishers Alliance Co which was short-lived but had the best of the best at the time 1880 -1883.

Hopefully this time I will figure out how to insert images and someone kindly replied to my last plea for help, and yes, I have read the tutorial at least five times. Maybe this time I will get it right.

In case the images dont show, these are the marks inside the lid, which has a thicker insert of silver coloured metal screwed inside the lid.

"HOWELL JAMES & CO 5.7 & 9 REGENT ST" ( I am not shouting, they are in all upper case letters). In between the name and the address, is a crown mark, the crown divided into three sections. Above and to the right of that is a rectangle which encloses the upper case letters "T.W". The background of the rectangle is lower than the level of the rest of the metal, but the initials are capital and the same surface level. To the right of this mark is a full sideways mark of a lion with its left arm raised higher than its right arm. It is not that clear but the rectangle enclosing the full side profile of the line looks to be a rectangle with the four corners cut off.

I should mention the top, for it is this which I find gorgeous. In the center of the top (which only measures 1.25" - a salt pot perhaps?) are three initials. The letter 'H' is on the top, under that is a letter 'C' and under that I think it is a capital letter 'I'.

It is so well made I can only imagine the hours someone put into making this pretty little item.

Now I will try my best to load an image - wish me luck !
Thanks to anyone who has the time to read and or comment on this lovely little item.

Heck !!!! Now I have saved the draft, and although it says "Here you can view, edit and delete your drafts." I cannot see a place to upload images. I am going to post this, and then try to add images after it is posted. I have literally spent hours on this forum and never mastered the uploading part, yes, I am technologically challenged it is true.

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[dognose]

Hi,

Welcome to the Forum.

I can see why you enjoy your piece so much as it is a fine quality item. This lid is silver and the lack of a full set of marks is of no concern as the full set of marks would have been struck on the main body of the piece that has now become seperated from its lid.

The maker's mark identifies Thomas Whitehouse who was a noted manufacturer of high quality dressing case fittings, glass bottle mounts, spring tops, etc., he is known to have supplied his work to many of the upmarket retail outlets, Aspreys & Co., Mappin & Webb etc.

Thomas Whitehouse entered his first mark at Goldsmiths' Hall on the 4th January 1848, entering the address of 9, Wellington Street, Goswell Road, Clerkenwell and was later, c.1856, to remove to 12, Smith Street, Northampton Square. He died on the 30th January 1898 and following that event, the business was continued by Percy Horace Arthur Whitehouse.

Howell, James & Co., as your research shows, were well-known London retailers, originally known as Howell & James (John Howell and Isaac James) they became styled as Howell, James & Co. in c.1838, the partners noted as J. Howell, Henry Gillett, Thomas Stroud and William Sedgwick, but by 1855 the firm was in the hands of Henry Gillett alone. The firm became a limited liability company in 1884, so your lid can be dated to the period 1838-1884 as it does not show the 'Ltd.' after the firms name.

Howell, James & Co. were exhibitors at the Great Exhibition in 1851, the International Exhibition in 1862 and exhibitions at London (1872) and Paris (1867). They ceased trading, I believe, in the 1920's.

Trev.

[mrs vintage]

Hello Trev and thank you

My goodness, what a wealth of information, thank you so very much for taking the time.

I took the lid into my local jeweller today to see if he could cut the pot lid down to make into a pendant for me. I explained my apparent stupidity at liking something which on the face of it is virtually worthless. He said he thought it was the top to a glass bottle which would have been a part of a travelling kit of some thirty or so bottles, all with silver lids.

He also told me that most objects like this end up in the melting pot. He did assume it was silver, despite the lack of a full set of marks, and like you, he said they would be elsewhere on the kit.

He examined the lid carefully - and said that all the engraving (or is it chasing?) on the lid, would have been done by hand. I am sorry I see my photograph loaded upside down for some reason, but the initials chased into the silver are C and H and what I think is the letter I.

I presume this would be the initials of the person who commissioned the set or perhaps it was a set of 'house initials'? I have no clue how things like that worked back then.

He said it was a pretty piece but would probably be 'prohibitively expensive' to change into a pendant. He did try to undo the screw/bolt in the lid and said that probably there would have been a circle of leather screwed under that part, to ensure an airtight seal.

What a world it must have been back then - I can only imagine how many hours would be spend making something so ornamental.

My sincere thanks again Trevor - you are a gem !

[dognose]

Just to add a little to the demise of this once very important retailer. I was amazed to discover just how long this firm took to die after it first showed the signs of financial trouble. John Culme states in his 'Directory of Gold & Silversmiths' 'In 1895 the company's capital was reduced to £105,000, and after the silk and haberdashery side of the business was discontinued in 1901 the capital was further reduced in 1903 to £60,000 on the understanding that the jewellery department was also to be run down and the concern closed altogether. This led to the voluntary liquidation of Howell & James Ltd on 21st September 1911; the final meeting was held on 11th April 1929.'

Trev.

[dognose]

Some more detail of the wares offered by Howell, James & Co. This time from 1873.

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"Any effort which has for its object the development of a higher standard of taste in the use of personal ornament is worthy of commendation; and the success achieved in this direction by a select few of the Exhibitors of Jewellery at the International is very marked. It is pleasant to find the names of artists and designers of high repute associated with the arrangement and setting of rare gems, and the production of exquisite devices in the precious metals to be worn by the gentler sex, as well as with the painting of pictures and the modelling of beautiful forms wherewith to decorate their homes.

The group of ornaments represented in the adjoining page are contributed by Messrs. Howell, James, & Co., of Regent Street. The cameo pendant at the top is part of a suite designed by Mr. Charles Eastlake, the cameo being finely carved in red cornelian very skilfully set in enamel and pearls. The earring to the right, a green Brazilian onyx, and the centre ornament at the bottom of the page, part of a beautiful suite in pearls and diamonds, are both designed by Sir Digby Wyatt. The other ornaments are specimens of emblematical jewellery, in which Messrs. Howell, James, & Co. have sought, by the aid of suggestive symbolisms, to convey some especial meaning in the design of each trinket. In the centre is a bridal locket, in which the orange-blossom is worked in enamel on a lapis-lazuli ground, from a design by Mr. Lewis Day. The oval bridesmaid's locket, with wedding bells, hymeneal torch and bow, is by Mr. Harry Rogers; the betrothal pendant facing it, with emblems of love and eternity, and the memorial pendant with an overflowing vase on a groundwork of black and grey enamel, are from designs by Mr. John Leighton. Thus are artistic devices adapted to the various requirements of social life."

Source: Art, Pictorial and Industrial: Volume 1, 1873. By John Forbes-Robertson

Trev.

[mrs vintage]

My goodness Trevor - how interesting. Fantastic to see items they would have had for sale and also exhibited. What a pity they went out of business.
Thank you for all your research and information, it is completely fascinating. WR J

[peterw]

My interest in this thread will be obvious when I reveal my full name, Peter Whitehouse. My father is David, my grandfather Thomas Montague, my great-grandfather was Percy and my great-great-grandfather was therefore Thomas.

I have no links with silversmithery other than this and in fact I registered here for the sole purpose of replying to this thread which referred to my ancestors. I am keenly interested in anything that I can discover about my 19th century forebears.

(admin edit)

[nosneakrs]

Your lid might be the top to an inkwell that was made to fit an elaborate inkstand. The dimensions seem appropriate. Continue to enjoy this item. It's beautiful.

[amena]

I would like to make a small addition to this thread.
Some time ago I had a set of 9 pieces of glass of different sizes with silver lids made by James Vickery, London, 1861. Some of the lids was quite similar to that of Mrs. vintage. I wondered why some of the lids had the full set of marks, while others had only the lion passant and the initials J V. Finally the mystery was solved. The full set of marks was hidden under the seals, as you can see in the picture.
Hope this helps.
Amena