Researching Charles Allen Brown

[redridge13]

Hi

I am researching a colonial Brisbane silversmith, jeweller & watchmaker by the name of Charles Allen Brown. He was apprenticed to Christian Ludwig Quist in Sydney (at the same time as Evan Jones) before setting up business in Brisbane as its first resident silversmith in 1871. His business was situated in Edward St & later Queen St, Brisbane up until his death in 1908, & afterward was managed by his sons until about 1917. I have traced some items of his work to museums/galleries/historical societies in Brisbane, however much of his product was unmarked, & consequently, his legacy of work has remained relatively obscure. I would appreciate any information that anyone has concerning him & would be particularly interested in any known items of his work - especially anything in private ownership. His marks were either "CAB", "C A Brown", or "C A Brown Brisbane".

As I said, I would very much appreciate any help available as he also happens to be my Gt-Gt-Grandfather.

Regards,
Andrew Lawton

[JayT]

Hello - I can't help with your quest, but can suggest that you contact the Silver Society of Australia. They publish a newsletter and you might consider making your request in the pages of that publication. Good luck!

[dognose]

Hi Andrew,

Welcome to the Forum.


C.A. Brown - Brisbane - 1881

Source: Wright's Australian and American Commercial Directory and Gazetteer - 1881

See: viewtopic.php?f=38&t=18484&p=64282

Trev.

[chellefisher]

hi, charles is also my great great grandfather.he had a daughter louisa who is my great grand mother, i have in my possession a ring that he made for her and a kookaburra brooch. i know he made the gold chains that the brisbane lord mayor wears but i could not get any info from the mayoral office about it, they told me to go to the library....i bit hard when i live so far away. i know he also made a silver cradle for one of the mayors but as yet haven't been able to get a pic of it. i know however he went bankrupt. if you go into trove digitised news papers and put his name in its brings up all sorts of stuff including some photos of his family.there was a seven little australians stamp and all the kids standing on the verandah are relatives to him if you want to see those click on pictures.there are a couple of pics of his wife on there as well but haven't found any of him as yet. regards michelle

[dognose]

On the 16th, November, at the residence of the bride's parents, Redfern, by the Rev. William Bradley. Charles Allen Brown, silversmith, youngest son of Henry George Brown. late of Sydney, to Louisa Coomber, eldest daughter of James Coomber, builder, of Raglin-street, Waterloo.

Source: Empire - 20th November 1871

Trev.

[dognose]

PRESENTATION OF THE TROWEL
At the outset of the proceedings, Past Provincial Grand Master Warren, presented to J. Horwitz, Esq., M.L.A., the trowel with which he was to spread the mortar. It is the handsomest piece of workmanship we have ever inspected in these parts. For appropriateness of design it reflects much credit on the silversmith, and Mr. C. A. Brown, of Brisbane, at whose establishment it was executed, is to be complimented. From a handle of tulip wood depends, with an artistic sweep, a couple of miniature vines, with leaves and bunches of grapes in frosted silver. The design is, therefore, emblematical of one of the staple products of the district, and to this the blade of the trowel is attached. The blade itself contains the following inscription- " Presented to J. Horwitz, Esq., M.L.A., by the members of the Rose of Warwick Lodge, on August 30th, 1880." Underneath the inscription is the emblem of the Order-Hand and Heart, with the well known motto inscribed on a pretty scroll, amicitia, amor, et Veritas-"friendship, love, and truth " In presenting the trowel, Brother Warren said "Honored Sir, in order that this Foundation Stone may be laid with appropriate ceremony, you, as one of the leading citizens of this town, have been asked to attend here for that purpose; and we hope it may now be your pleasure to proceed with that ceremony. The necessary preparations having been made, they now wait your direction. And in order that it may be thus laid. I am requested by the members of the Loyal Rose of Warwick Lodge to present you with this trowel. My fellow brethren of Warwick, having chosen you to perform this pleasing duly, augers well for the esteem in which you are held by them during your many years residence in this town. Your career has been marked as a good and useful citizen, and you have at all times proved yourself such, by aiding and assisting with your influence and means anything that was for the benefit and well being of your fellow townsmen. And, therefore, it is with much pleasure that I, on behalf of the Odd Fellows of Warwick, present you with this beautiful trowel, as a testimonial mark of the esteem in which you are held by them. And, as the representative of the Manchester Unity, accept also my cordial endorsement of their sentiments. But, before you (Mr. Horwitz) proceed with the work, I will call on Brother Wilkinson, to ask a blessing upon the work in which we are engaged.

Source: Warwick Argus - 31st August 1880

Trev.

[redridge13]

Thanks for that Trev - I had missed that one. I will have a hunt around to see if there are any descendents out there who might know what happened to it.

Andrew

[bstaunto]

Hi Andrew,

I just read a whole article on CA Brown today. It was in the 'Australiana' journal by Sue Air, August 2001, Vol 23, No.3. I think you can buy back issues off from their website. If you can't let me know, and I'll try and send you a copy somehow. It is a great article and includes a number of photos of things he made.

Would be great to discover some more of his silver pieces!

Cheers,
Ben

[redridge13]

Hi Ben

Yes I have seen the article in Australiana - I did have a copy of that issue but lost it in a recent move. I would appreciate a digitised copy of it if you could manage it. Its a real shame that some of his significant pieces are now untraceable. I have attempted to track down a few but haven't managed to get very far. Perhaps they will turn up some day.

Regards,
Andrew