Antique Edward Barnard & John Barnard (London) Silversmiths Sterling Silver Toast Rack

Antique Edward Barnard & John Barnard (London) Silversmiths Sterling Silver Toast Rack with multiple silver marks dating back to the mid 1800’s. This belonged to my Mother who is now 101 years old.

This absolutely elegant sterling silver 6 piece Toast Rack rests on four lovely scrolled feet and features an exquisite carry loop on top. It is crafted by the London Silversmiths Edward Barnard and John Barnard evidenced by one of their markings shown in photographs.

Researching the silvermarks symbols and letter dates showed this information…..

EB over & over JB into quatrefoil
Edward and John Barnard,
London 1858 hallmark 
A predecessor silversmith of Edward Barnard & Sons Ltd, business still active in present days

Leopards head silvermark dates to 1854

The Lion Passant – This mark indicates the purity of the silver which is almost always 925 parts per 1000. In general (but not always) if your piece of silver does not have this mark amongst its hallmarks then it is likely not silver.

If you find a lion on your piece, you’ll immediately know that it’s come from Britain. Symbols for where it was made include an anchor for Birmingham and a crown for Sheffield (in 1975, it changed to a rose). Another mark is the head of the reigning monarch.

Beginning on 1 December 1784, British law mandated that a duty mark be applied to silver pieces. This showed that the requisite tax had been paid to the Crown. The duty mark was a profile of the head of the current reigning monarch. The mark was discontinued in 1890.

Unlike the metal standard stamps which feature a specific shape depending on the metal, with date stamps the year is shown by letters of the alphabet, usually 25 of the 26 as variously I, J and L have been left out. The letters also vary in typeface, background shape and upper/lower case. Each assay office has its own unique date chart so always identify the assay office mark first and then check for the letter in the office’s reference sheet. Letter appears to be around 1850’s

Edward Barnard and John Barnard (London) silversmiths
This old established manufacturing silversmith business was started by Anthony Nelme c.1680 passing to Francis Nelme on his death in 1722. Thomas Whipham took over the business in 1739, passing it to his son Thomas Whipham jr in 1756 who took into partnership Charles Wright.
The Barnard’s involvement started in 1786 when the business was taken over by Henry Chawner; Chawner had been Edward Barnard I’s master and Barnard’s son Edward became foreman of the firm. In 1796 John Emes became a partner and after the retirement of Chawner, Emes became owner maintaining Edward Barnard II as manager. Emes died in 1808 and his widow Rebecca Emes took as partner Edward Barnard II. Rebecca Emes retired in 1829 and Edward Barnard I took over with his son Edward Barnard II, John Barnard and William Barnard, trading under the name 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).

It will be carefully wrapped and packaged to prevent damage during transit.
WONDERFUL GIFT ITEM
The photos show the actual item

Please take the time to check all photos closely as they are a LARGE part of the item’s description.

This has been kept in a NO Smoking and pet free home.

I’m downsizing so I’m now willing to sell many items in my collection of art, books, sports memorabilia, antiques, advertising items, signs, toys, collectibles, designer clothing, perfumes, and colognes so someone else might enjoy them.