Price Guide to Antiques & Collectables
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Benjamin Smith II (London) silversmith

The Smith family of silversmiths in London was one of the most successful and respected in the 19th century. The family business was founded in 1800 by George Smith Sr., who was apprenticed to the renowned silversmith Paul Storr. Smith Sr. quickly established himself as a skilled and innovative silversmith, and his work was soon in high demand among the aristocracy and wealthy middle class.

In 1820, George Smith Jr. joined the family business, and together father and son created some of the most beautiful and iconic silver pieces of the 19th century. Their work was characterized by its elegant design, exquisite craftsmanship, and use of high-quality materials. The Smiths were also known for their ability to produce silver in a wide range of styles, from traditional to neoclassical to romantic.

The Smith family business was particularly successful during the Victorian era. During this time, there was a great more... demand for silver, and the Smiths were able to meet this demand by producing a wide range of silver objects, including tableware, tea sets, coffee sets, candlesticks, and centerpieces. The Smiths also produced a number of important ceremonial pieces, such as the silver trowel used to lay the foundation stone of the Houses of Parliament in 1834.

The Smith family business continued to thrive in the late 19th century, even in the face of increasing competition from foreign silversmiths. The Smiths were able to maintain their position at the forefront of the British silver industry by continuing to produce high-quality silver in a variety of styles. The family business also benefited from the support of a number of royal patrons, including Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

The Smith family of silversmiths played a significant role in the development of British silver in the 19th century. Their work is still admired and collected today for its beauty, craftsmanship, and historical importance.

Notable members of the Smith family of silversmiths

•   George Smith Sr. (1769-1845) - Founder of the family business and one of the most renowned silversmiths of the 19th century.

•   George Smith Jr. (1793-1866) - Joined the family business in 1820 and worked alongside his father to create some of the most beautiful and iconic silver pieces of the 19th century.

•   William Henry Smith (1825-1891) - Son of George Smith Jr. and a successful silversmith in his own right. He was also a Member of Parliament and served as First Lord of the Admiralty from 1877 to 1880.

•   Edward William Smith (1856-1933) - Son of William Henry Smith and a talented silversmith who continued the family tradition of producing high-quality silver in a variety of styles.

Examples of the Smith family's work

•   The silver trowel used to lay the foundation stone of the Houses of Parliament in 1834.

•   The silver cradle used for the christening of Prince Arthur, the son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, in 1850.

•   The silver centerpiece commissioned by the City of London to commemorate the visit of Napoleon III in 1855.

•   The silver tea set presented to Queen Victoria on her Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

The Smith family's work is on display in museums and private collections around the world. The Victoria and Albert Museum in London has a particularly fine collection of Smith silver, including a number of pieces that were commissioned by the British royal family. less...

11 items found.
Wonderful William IV sterling silver water jug, hallmarked…
William IV Sterling Silver Water Jug, London 1832, Benjamin Smith

Wonderful William IV sterling silver water jug, hallmarked London, 1832, Bs (Benjamin Smith II), of lobed baluster form, the hinged cover set with floral finial, the body engraved with large crest containing a lion above a shield surrounded by acanthus, ra

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A George III sterling silver twin handle tray, possibly…
George III Sterling Silver Twin Handle Tray, London 1816, Engraved

A George III sterling silver twin handle tray, possibly Benjamin Smith II, London, 1816 with engraved detail, initials to centre. Wt 3040 grams

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Large George III gilt sterling silver wine label, hallmarked…
George III Gilt Sterling Silver Wine Label, London 1806

Large George III gilt sterling silver wine label, hallmarked London, 1806, D.S/ B.S (Digby Scott & Benjamin Smith II), of wreath design with finely cast depictions of vine leaves and grapes encircling a central banner with pierced 'Port' label, total weigh

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An impressive George III sterling silver soup tureen, 1810…
George III Sterling Silver Soup Tureen, 1810 London

An impressive George III sterling silver soup tureen, 1810 London, with maker's marks for Benjamin Smith II & James Smith III, rectangular with a cast foliate cornucopia scroll handle, a gadroon border to the domed lid, the base with a cast egg and dart ed

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A monumental Victorian sterling silver salver, by Benjamin…
Victorian Rococo Sterling Silver Salver

A monumental Victorian sterling silver salver, by Benjamin Smith II, London 1845. Highly decorative in the rococo style, circular outline with an elaborate pierced border of foliate scrolls, acanthus, classical and mythical figures in high relief. The cent

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George III hallmarked sterling silver oval swing handled basket…
Georgian Sterling Silver Swing Handled Basket, London 1816

George III hallmarked sterling silver oval swing handled basket by both Benjamin Smith II and III, London 1816, 1500 grams

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A rare pair of George III sterling silver decanter stands by…
George III Silver Decanter Stands with Labels

A rare pair of George III sterling silver decanter stands by Digby Scott & Benjamin Smith II, London 1806, constructed as decanter labels 'Hock', 'Port', 'Champagne', 'Madeira', 'Claret' & 'Burgundy', 5.91 in. diameter

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A rare and imposing Victorian sterling silver Warwick Vase on…
Victorian Sterling Silver Warwick Vase by Benjamin Smith II

A rare and imposing Victorian sterling silver Warwick Vase on Stand by Benjamin Smith II, London 1841 with two side vine-stem bifurcated handles, a trumpet foot, four cast relief masks of Hercules and Bacchus between masks of beaded satyrs above the pelt o

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A George III sterling silver tea urn with carved ivory loop…
George III Sterling Silver Tea Urn with Coat of Arms

A George III sterling silver tea urn with carved ivory loop handles and engraved contemporary coat of arms by Benjamin Smith II & James Smith III, London 1810, the original coiled snake finial by Paul Storr. 14.17 in. high, 4820 grams. The arms are those…

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A George III circular silver vegetable dish and cover, Digby…
George III Silver Vegetable Dish and Cover

A George III circular silver vegetable dish and cover, Digby Scott and Benjamin Smith II, London, 1802 gadroon rim, a pair of hinged open work handles to sides, the stepped slightly domed cover with leaf capped scroll finial, bearing crest and motto of the

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A George III sterling silver soup tureen, Benjamin Smith II and…
George III Silver Soup Tureen by Benjamin Smith II & III

A George III sterling silver soup tureen, Benjamin Smith II and Benjamin Smith III, London, 1817 the body with cast and applied floral swags, raised on four scrolling shell form feet, having two scrolling handles emanating from acanthus, the domed cover wi

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