Description
A very rare model of a shaped oval Victorian silver biscuit box mounted on a contemporary two handled under tray. The box is decorated with an upper band of bright cut engraving and elegant oval central cartouches. The domed lid is hinged and has an outer band of additional bright cut engraving for decorative highlights.
Weight: 25.5 troy ounces/794 grams
Height: 7 inches/17.5cm
Length: 11 inches/28cm
Width: 7 inches/18cm
Condition: Excellent throughout
Price: £4500
Possibly the oldest manufacturing silversmith in the world, the origin of this business having been established by Anthony Nelme c. 1680. Francis Nelme inherited the business on the death of his father in 1722 and continued until 1739 when Thomas Whipham took over the business. On his death in 1756 his son Thomas Whipham jr took into partnership Charles Wright. Thomas retired in 1775 and the business was continued by Charles Wright. The business was amalgamated by Henry Chawner in 1786 and the latter son of Edward Barnard (I) became the foreman of the firm. Chawner was master to the first Edward Barnard (I) so that the connection of the Barnard family can be traced from 1773. In 1796 took into partnership John Emes that became the owner after the retirement of Chawner, maintaining Edward Barnard (I) as manager. Emes died in 1808 and his widow Rebecca took as partner Edward Barnard (I). Rebecca Emes withdrew in 1829 and Edward Barnard (I) became the proprietor with his son Edward Barnard (II), John Barnard and William Barnard, trading under the style Edward Barnard & Sons. After the retirement of Edward Barnard (I) the firm was continued by Edward Barnard (II) (1846-1851), John Barnard (I) (1846-1868), William Barnard (1846), Edward Barnard (III) (1868), Walter Barnard (1868-1903), John Barnard (II) (1868-1903), Michael Barnard (1896-1903), Stanley Barnard (1896-1903) and Robert Dubcock (1896). The firm was converted into a limited liability company in 1910 under the style Edward Barnard & Sons Ltd. In 1977 Edward Barnard & Sons Limited became a subsidiary of Padgett & Braham Ltd.
CHRONOLOGY:
Anthony Nelme, c. 1680-1721,
Francis Nelme, 1721 – c.1739
Thomas Whipham, c. 1737-1756
Whipham & Wright, 1756-1775
Charles Wright, 1775-1785
the business was amalgamated with that of Henry Chawner in 1786
Thomas Chawner (sometimes in partnership with William Chawner), 1759-1786
Henry Chawner, 1786-1796
Chawner & Emes, 1796-1798
John Emes, 1798-1808
(widow Rebecca) Emes & Barnard, 1808-1829
Edward Barnard & Sons, 1829-1910
Edward Barnard & Sons Ltd, 1910
from 1977 a subsidiary of Padgett & Braham Ltd
