D.P 1837 - David Phillips?

[salmoned]

Seeking opinions on the sponsor mark for my latest buy.

[dognose]

Hi Salmoned,

I agree, David Phillips (Grimwade 495).

I don't know if you are in possession of the 3rd edition of Grimwade, but there is an update noted there that David Phillips was the son of the watchmaker Phillip Phillips. He was apprenticed to his father as from the 2nd July 1832, less than two years before he entered his first mark at the London Assay Office. Although indentured via the Clockmakers' Company, he appears never to have taken his Freedom from them.

Trev.

[salmoned]

Yes, interesting discussion about his father and his brother Joel and descendants, too. I wish I could find something more about his longevity in the business. I love new acquisitions.

[dognose]

Some more information, David Phillips was listed at 12, Wilson Street, Finsbury, until around 1839. Following that date the firm became known as David & Lewis Phillips (same address) until around 1842. 1842 - c.1850 they became known as David Phillips again. From c.1850 until 1852, David Phillips was listed as a Broker and Silver Spoon Maker of 58, Long Alley, Finsbury.

Source: The Directory of Gold & Silversmiths - John Culme

Trev.

[salmoned]

Much appreciated, I haven't been able to gain access to that reference yet.

[dognose]

Just a little more information on the Phillips family, allbeit somewhat confusing.

Phillip Phillips was listed as a member of the Clockworkers' Company in 1777, and a member of the livery of that Company from 1790-1840. He is recorded as working at St John's Square, London. There was also another, or perhaps the same, Phillip Phillips, working in Aldersgate Street from 1785, this firm were previously recorded as 'Derrick & Phillips'.

Joel Phillips was recorded as working in London (Norton Felgate) in 1820.

Source: Watchmaker & Clockmakers of the World - G.H. Baillie.

Trev.

[dognose]

An advertising header for S.J. Phillips, the retail silversmiths that loosely continue on from David's brother, Joel:


S.J. Phillips - London - 1951

Established in 1869 by David Phillips's nephew, Solomon Joel Phillips at 66, Regent Street, this upmarket firm is still in business, now located at 139, New Bond Street. Although mostly retail, this firm did enter marks with the London Assay Office.

John Culme notes in his 'Directory of Gold & Silversmiths' notes that shortly after the death of Solomon Joel Phillips in 1908, one Arthur Hunt, who had been employed at the firm for nearly twenty years, was apprehended on a charge of falsification of accounts but managed to shoot himself at the moment of arrest.

Trev.

[salmoned]

Embezzler's suicide? Story's almost good enough to make a movie. Thanks again.

[strals]

Hi

I am a descendant of Joel Phillips, watchmaker. I don't have access to the books mentioned. Are you able to provide more information on these Phillips families?

many thanks

Anthony

[dognose]

Hi Anthony,

Welcome to the Forum.

It would be best to start a new topic for your question in the 'General Questions' section.

Good luck with your research.

Trev.