Object Description
An excellent antique silver swing handle basket with wirework body. Charming period style. The applied vine leaf decoration is highlighted with bunches of grapes and little bees.
Weight 446 grams, 14.3 troy ounces.
Length 25.5cm. Width 21.5cm. Height 5.9cm (without handle).
London 1903.
Maker William Comyns.
Sterling silver.
WILLIAM COMYNS
William Comyns. This prestigious firm of manufacturing silversmiths was originally established by William Comyns in circa 1859 when he purchased the business of Robert Tagg (founded circa 1720), an outworker of Rundell, Bridge & Co. William Comyns, silversmith, subsequently moved to 1 Percy Mews, Rathbone Place, then to 16 Silver Street, Golden Square, Soho, and to Beak Street, Regent Street. Additional premises were taken from circa 1903 at 54 Marshall Street, Soho. The firm became William Comyns & Son in circa 1885 when sons Charles and Richard were admitted to the partnership. William Comyns died in January 1916. The business became William Comyn & Sons Ltd in 1930, with R.H. Comyns as permanent governing director. In 1953 the company was purchased by Bernard Copping and is now one of the few surviving manufacturing silversmiths in London, with premises in Tower Street, London, WC2.