Object Description
A truly superb antique Victorian heart shaped photo frame in sterling silver with hallmarks for William Comyns & Sons, London 1894, and the blue lining bearing gold embossed details for the retailer, Mappin Brothers, Regent Street London.
The rectangular blue velvet easel-back frame features a vacant cartouche pediment and bead and gadroon decoration surrounding a heart shaped aperture.
An excellent gift idea for many occasions and an elegant design for your most cherished photograph.
Condition:
In really excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 20 cm x Width 13 cm x Depth 10 cm – Frame
Height 12 cm x Width 9.5 cm – Heart Aperture
Dimensions in inches:
Height 8 inches x Width 5 inches x Depth 4 inches – Frame
Height 5 inches x Width 4 inches – Heart Aperture
William Comyns (1885 – 1930)
This important firm of manufacturing silversmiths was established by William Comyns c. 1859 when he purchased the business of Robert Tagg, Robert Tagg moved in 1857 to his new residence and manufactory at 2 Carlise Street, Soho Square.
William Comyns, thereafter listed as a silversmith, appears to have purchased the business in 1858 or early 1859, entering his first marks from the first same address. He moved to 1 Percy Mews, Rathbone Place, the to 16 Silver Street, Golden Square, Soho, and subsequently to Beak Street, Regent Street. These premised were later expanded to 41, 43, and 45 Beak street and to 41, 43, 45, 47 Beak Street. Additional premises were taken from c. 1903 at 54 Marshall Street, Soho.
The style of the firm was changed to William Comyns & Son c. 1885 when William Comyn’s two sons, Charles Harling Comyns and Richard Harling Comyns were admitted to their partnership. William Comyns died in January 1916, and C.H. Comyns while attending a sale in Christie’s in 1925.
William Comyns first appears to have made a significant impact in the early 1880s by supplying increasingly large numbers of decorative wares in silver, many of which were die-stamped. London retailers of their products at this period included Henry Lewis, Howell & James Ltd., etcetera.
The business was incorporated as limited liability company as William Comyn’s & Sons Ltd., registered on 20th October 1930, with R.H. Comyns as permanent governing director. Upon the latter’s death in 1953, when the firm is said to have lost its former prominence, William Comyns & Sons Ltd was purchased by Bernard Copping.
Mappin Bros.
The family firm was reportedly founded in 1810 by Joseph Mappin, and their sun trademark was granted in 1835 by the Cutlers’ Company. They were not known as Mappin Brothers until after 1852 when all four of Joseph Mappin’s sons had joined the company, after his death. It was a year earlier in 1851 that they opened the Queen’s Plate and Cutlery Works on Baker’s Hill, bound by Little Pond Street and Flat Street. In 1859 there was an argument between the brothers and both the eldest son, Frederick, and the youngest, John, left the company. Frederick Mappin became a politician and was a director of many Sheffield companies. Mappin Brothers continued under Edward and Joseph Charles Mappin and acquired central London showrooms in 1856 and 1861, on King William Street at London Bridge, and Regent Street. By doing this they claimed they were the only Sheffield cutlery manufacturer to sell directly to the customer in London. The company was bought by Mappin & Webb and incorporated into their sales and manufacturing structure.
Our reference: A4629