Pair of Antique Sterling Silver Wine Coasters

Details

Description

An exquisite pair of antique English, fully hallmarked, sterling silver wine coasters, each with pierced foliate sides, an undulating rim … Read more An exquisite pair of antique English, fully hallmarked, sterling silver wine coasters, each with pierced foliate sides, an undulating rim molded with c-scrolls, foliage, and shells, the letter “S” engraved on a small cartouche, and a turned wooden base. London, 1844, attributed to silversmiths Joseph Angell (senior) & Joseph Angell (junior).

Each wine coaster is fully marked with the lion passant (for sterling silver), leopard's head (for London), date letter "G" (for 1842), the king's head, and somewhat rubbed maker's mark (attributed to Joseph Angell (senior) and Joseph Angell (Junior).

Each wine coaster measures 4.75 inches at the base and 5.5 inches at the rim and stands 2.5 inches high.

The Angell family included some of the most significant London silversmiths of the nineteenth century, producing exceptional silver and jewelry across several generations. The firm was founded by Joseph Angell (senior), who began his career apprenticed to Henry Nutting in 1796 and entered his first mark in 1811 from 55 Compton Street, Clerkenwell. In 1831 he entered a joint mark with his brother John Angell, and around 1837, Joseph's son, Joseph Angell (junior) joined the partnership, with the business operating as Angell, Son & Angell. In 1840 John left the partnership, and the firm continued as Joseph Angell & Son. They entered a new mark on 6 July 1840, followed by the firm’s relocation in 1842 to 25 Panton Street, Haymarket. When Joseph Angell (senior) retired in 1848, the business passed fully to Joseph Angell (junior), who opened a retail store at 10 Strand, Charing Cross in 1849. Under his direction, the firm expanded its reputation for fine silver, enamel work and jewelry. Joseph Angell (junior) exhibited at the 1851 Great Exhibition, where he was awarded a Prize Medal for his enameled pieces, and continued to gain further awards at international exhibitions in the following years. In 1867, he entered a partnership with John Browne, operating under the name Angell & Browne until the partnership dissolved in 1876, after which Joseph Angell (junior) operated the business as Angell & Co. Alongside this main branch of the family, John Angell’s sons — John Charles Angell and George Angell — established their own partnership in 1840 at 51 Compton Street. After John Charles’s death in 1850, George continued the firm as George Angell & Co until 1860, also exhibiting at the 1851 Great Exhibition. Following George Angell’s death in 1884, the business passed to George Frederick Courthope, who continued to operate the business under the Angell name until 1889. Across these closely linked businesses, the Angell family became one of London’s most prominent silversmithing dynasties, recognized for their refined workmanship, elegant designs and growing role as major silver and jewelery retailers throughout the mid nineteenth century. Today, the family is remembered for its significant contributions to 19th-century silver and jewelery design, with its works held in major museum collections worldwide. See less