Object Description
Presented by HRH Prince Faisal of Saudi Arabia. A important sterling silver bowl with side handles and a square pedestal foot. Large size. Similar form to the Warwick Vase. Excellent quality chased decoration with flowers, foliage and scrolls. Good heavy weight. To the front is a presentation inscription to Dr Daniel Davies* and the bowl is accompanied by a signed photograph of Prince Faisal. 3470 grams, 111.5 troy ounces. Height 26 cm. Diameter 32 cm. Spread across the handles 39 cm. Base 15.5 cm square. London 1905. Maker Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company.
Biography – This company was established in 1880 by William Gibson and John Lawrence Langman using premises at 112 Regent Street, London, previously John Joseph Mechi. In 1893 the firm took over The Goldsmiths’ Alliance Ltd (late A.B. Savory & Sons) becoming in 1898 the Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co Ltd, active as jewellers, dealers in diamonds and precious stones, silversmiths, electroplaters and watch and clock makers. In 1952 Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co Ltd was amalgamated with Garrard & Co Ltd. This prestigious company exhibited at home and abroad including the Indian and Colonial Exhibition (London, 1886), Paris (1889), Chicago (1893), California (1894), Paris (1900) and Franco-British Exhibition (London, 1908).
The Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co were manufacturers with workshops in Newcastle Place, Clerkenwell; Regent Works, Sheffield and Rue St George, Paris and also retailer of items supplied by various British gold and silver manufacturers (Martin Hall & Co Ltd, W&G Sissons, Wakely & Wheeler, William Comyns, Harrison Brothers & Howson, etc.)