R & HB Kirkwood, Edinburgh

[gordon92]

Would anyone know the years of operation of the Edinburgh silversmiths and goldsmiths 'R&HB Kirkwood, 66-68 Thistle St, Edninburgh' whose maker's tablet appears on military badges, brooches, and accoutrements. I have not seen the Kirkwood mark on any hallmarked badge past about 1912. I infer from this anecdotally that R&HB Kirkwood ceased doing business shortly before the Great War. Would someone have precise knowledge as to when Kirkwood closed its doors?

[dognose]

Hi,

Welcome to the Forum.

The working period for Robert & Henry Bruce Kirkwood appears to be 1872 until 1915. However, the business appears to have been continued by the oddly named Elizabeth 'Henry' Kirkwood, who continued to submit work to the Edinburgh Assay Office until 1965.

Trev.

[gordon92]

Hi,

Welcome to the Forum.

The working period for Robert & Henry Bruce Kirkwood appears to be 1872 until 1915. However, the business appears to have been continued by the oddly named Elizabeth 'Henry' Kirkwood, who continued to submit work to the Edinburgh Assay Office until 1965.

Trev.

Thank you for this useful information, Trev.

It is my understanding that Elizabeth was a daughter of one of the partners. With your information, it is now clear who her father was.

[dognose]

Robert & Henry Bruce Kirkwood both served their apprenticeships under their father James Kirkwood, whose working period was 1834-1872.

At the last registration of R & HB Kirkwood, Henry Bruce Kirkwood was listed as sole partner.

Trev.

[gordon92]

Robert & Henry Bruce Kirkwood both served their apprenticeships under their father James Kirkwood, whose working period was 1834-1872.

At the last registration of R & HB Kirkwood, Henry Bruce Kirkwood was listed as sole partner.

Trev.

Many thanks for this additional data.

[dognose]

International Exhibiton, Glasgow, 1888

An exhibition in Scotland without some distinctly national exhibits would be an anomaly, but this is averted by the display of Messrs. R. & H. B. Kirkwood, Thistle Street, Edinburgh; a case of Highland ornaments of similar character and design to that which attracted so much attention in the Edinburgh Exhibition. The officers' ornaments and badges of most of the Highland regiments are arranged in the lower portion of the case. We rather fancy from their gorgeous appearance that our officers must be worth the plundering if they go forth on a campaign thus equipped. The crest brooches of the Highland clans, facsimiles of some of the famous historic brooches shown in the Bishop's Castle collection, and a unique display of sporrans, dirks and belt furniture–most of it reproductions of fine old designs–go to make up an exhibit unsurpassed in its own line in the whole exhibition.

Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 1st October 1888

Trev.