This prestigious firm of jewellers and silversmiths was originally founded by Paul Storr in 1819 when he left Rundell & Bridge to go in partnership with John Mortimer. John Samuel Hunt joined the company after his apprenticeship with Paul Storr and took his place after he retired in 1838, changing the name of the company to Mortimer and Hunt. In 1843 John Mortimer retired and the firm became finally Hunt and Roskell. At that time it counted three partners: John Samuel Hunt, his son and Robert Roskell Jr. (son of a watchmaker from Liverpool).

Edward Farrell’s apprenticeship and early life is almost completely unrecorded. Although described in Holden's Triennial Directory of 1805-7 as a silversmith, we don’t have any information about his work until 1813, when he registered his first mark. The most productive phase of his career began when he associated with Kensington Lewis, a silversmith and retailer who counted the Duke of York among his prestigious clients.

In 1872 Carl Fabergé took over his father’s company and in a few years turned the family business into the most famed and distinguished silver and jewellery brand.

In 1885 he was appointed as Imperial Goldsmith and Jeweller. In the same year he was commissioned by Tsar Alexander III to create the first Imperial Easter Egg as a gift for his wife Maria Feodorovna.

The firm, founded by George Wickes in 1735, was based in Mayfair, London and manufactured silver and jewellery. Robert Garrard joined the firm in 1792 and ten years later he became its sole owner.

Indian Colonial Silver refers to the silver artworks produced in India mainly for a European clientele from 1790 - when the East India Company began trading business in Calcutta - until 1947 - when India gained the independence from the British Raj.

Paul Storr is the most celebrated English silversmith of the Regency period and one of England’s most famed of all times.

Ranging from tableware to the most magnificent sculptural artworks, he made use of the most innovative technology to create extravagant and very sophisticated masterpieces.

Benjamin Smith started his career working for Matthew Boulton, whose company produced plate, buckles and buttons. Described as button maker in 1794, he moved to London a few years later, in 1802, joining a partnership with his friend and silversmith Digby Scott. At that time he was already manufacturing for Rundell & Bridge, the most well-know luxury retailer of the first half of 19th Century.

We’re delighted to announce the release of our latest catalogue, this year we decided to focus on the biographies of the most renowned silversmiths rather than individual items. We believe in the importance of shedding some lights on the craftsmen behind some of the most beautiful items created.

To serve the Royal Court has been the highest aspiration of tradesmen and craftsmen for centuries, ever since in 1155 King Henry II gave a Royal Charter to the Weavers’ Company. During the 15th Century tradespeople started to be officially recognised with the Royal Warrant of Appointment.

Until recent days, women had few rights especially in business and in the rare case they were allowed a professional career, they were by law subject to the control and domination of their husbands and relatives.

"Chinese Export Silver" refers to the silver made in China, mostly from late 18th Century to mid 20th Century for the Western clientele.

When in late 18th Century the commercial exchanges between East and West started to flourish, the demand for fine Chinese products increased significantly.

Thanks to its durability and resistance, silver has been used for centuries to create luxury items as well as precious tableware and dining sets.

Nevertheless silver tends to turn dark when exposed to air and requires periodic care and polishing. Following a few simple tips, your silver will shine for years.

Sterling silver is an alloy containing 92,5% pure silver and 7,5% of different metals (often nickel or copper) to give it strength and resistance.

Sheffield Plate was developed in the middle of the 18th century as a more affordable alternative to sterling silver. It consists of a thin layer of silver applied over a thick sheet of copper, then pressed and hammered until the two metals are fused together. Once fused, the plated sheet acts exactly like sterling silver and it’s ready to be molded and shaped by the silversmith.

The Pushkin Antiques team would like to wish all of our customers and friends a happy and prosperous New Year!

Antique silver is a profitable long-term investment if done cautiously, with the support of an expert. If you are planning to expand your collection or starting a new one, we are here at your service. 

The annual RITZ Must Visit Map of Mayfair is finally out and we're thrilled to be part of this exclusive group of retailers in the heart of Mayfair.