Indian Colonial Silver & Indian Subcontinent Trade Info
Re: Indian Colonial Silver & Indian Subcontinent Trade Info
An unmarked pen-tray, likely of Indian origin:
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Re: Indian Colonial Silver & Indian Subcontinent Trade Info
J. HIGGINBOTHAM
Mount Road, Madras
J. Higginbotham - Madras - 1862
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Mount Road, Madras
J. Higginbotham - Madras - 1862
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Re: Indian Colonial Silver & Indian Subcontinent Trade Info
TOPUNSING MOTOOMULL & Co.
Australia Buildings, and 5, Grand Oriental Hotel and Verandah, and, 5 & 6, New Victoria Arcade, and, 82 & 83, Main Street, Pettah, Colombo, and, Queen's Hotel, Shop No.1, and, 3, Trincomalee Street, Kandy.
Topunsing Motoomull & Co. - Colombo - 1903
Established in 1864.
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Australia Buildings, and 5, Grand Oriental Hotel and Verandah, and, 5 & 6, New Victoria Arcade, and, 82 & 83, Main Street, Pettah, Colombo, and, Queen's Hotel, Shop No.1, and, 3, Trincomalee Street, Kandy.
Topunsing Motoomull & Co. - Colombo - 1903
Established in 1864.
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Re: Indian Colonial Silver & Indian Subcontinent Trade Info
REPORTS FROM THE CONSULS OF THE UNITED STATES IN ANSWER TO INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE
At the request of a Massachusetts firm, a Department instruction was sent, under date of January 16, 1902, to the consular officers of the United States, directing them to report in regard to the trade in foreign countries in silverware and plated ware, and especially as to the possible market for articles of American manufacture. Special information was asked as to the consumption of such goods in the respective consular districts; the extent of local manufacture; the importation from foreign countries as well as from the United States; the tariff on silver and plated goods; the obstacles to the extension of American trade in this line, if any existed; the proper methods of packing, etc.
The answers follow:
BRITISH INDIA
IMPORTS
Considerable quantity of plated ware is imported into this country from the United Kingdom and from other countries of Europe, and as no statistics are available it is hard to form an idea of the extent of the trade. There are several large firms here who deal in plated ware and silverware.
INDIAN MANUFACTURES
India is famous for the manufactures of silverware, and they are extensively used by the native princes and noblemen, and as these are manufactured by individual artisans from time to time and at different places, no reliable statistics of the quantity manufactured can be obtained.
The import duty on silver and plated ware is 5 per cent ad valorem.
S. COMFORT, Vice-Consul-General
CALCUTTA, March 13, 1902
BOMBAY
IMPORTS AND EXPORTS
During the year 1900-1901 there was imported at Bombay from all countries silverware and silver plate to the value of $77,231, and during the same period the exports amounted to $32,248.
The countries from which these wares were imported were:
United Kingdom - $56, 827
Austria-Hungary - 721
Italy - 18
Russia - 2
British East Africa - 14
United States - 59
Aden - 435
China:
Hongkong - 13, 606
Treaty ports - 5, 153
Japan - 247
Persia - 40
South Australia - 109
Total - 77, 231
The exports of silver and plated ware and the countries to which exported were as follows:
United Kingdom - $6, 639
France - 1, 625
Malta - 13
Spain, Gibraltar - 162
British East Africa - 14,537
Abyssinia - 32
Portuguese East Africa - 2, 219
Mauritius - 355
Egypt - 2,911
United States - 278
Aden - 318
Arabia - 16
China, Hongkong - 1,532
Philippines - 357
Straits Settlements - 1,056
New South Wales - 249
Victoria - 49
Total - 32, 248
TARIFF
The Indian tariff on silverware and silver-plated goods is not heavy. Silverware or silver-plated ware other than European is valued, if plain, at 1 rupee per tola (32½ cents per 180 grains), and if embossed or chased its value is placed at 1.4 rupees per tola (40½ cents per 180 grains), and the duty is taxed at 5 per cent on this value. All other sorts of silverware and silver-plated ware are dutiable at 5 per cent ad valorem.
INDIAN SILVERWARE
Bombay is one of the great centers for native Indian silverware, and for which India has been from time immemorial especially famous Every state, both British and native, and in fact every city or considerable village has its particular brand of workmanship in silver. It is all worked by hand-hammered; the designs are quite artistic and frequently illustrative of village life and hunting scenes, though Hindoo mythology is largely drawn upon to furnish the main designs worked in native silverware. Some of this work is highly artistic, showing an inherited cunning of the caste of Hindoo workmen who have handed down the secrets and art of their craft from father to son for generations. The work is not only prized by the natives, but also by Europeans and Americans visiting India.
The silverware is usually made of coin pure silver; the native desires it as free from alloy as possible. It is very common all over India and is to be found in every shop and bazaar. In fact much of the native wealth of the people is to be found in the silverware of the household and in the personal silver ornaments of the members of the family.
The unit of weight by which the ware is sold is the tola (180 grains), equaling the weight of a silver rupee. The retail prices run from 35 cents to 50 cents per tola, varying according to workmanship and quality of silver.
OUTLOOK FOR AMERICAN WARE
There is no obstacle in the way of the extension of American trade in this line other than that which naturally surrounds the extension of our trade in any other line. The distance between India and the United States is great, and transshipment generally takes place in England.
There is a growing demand for silver plate and silver tableware of modern and Western design. It is more serviceable and less expensive. It will in time, no doubt, take the place in daily life, to a practical extent, of the native plate or silverware. There is no reason Why the American manufacturer and exporter should not Obtain a fair share of this trade.
PACKING
American goods in foreign ships do not always receive the most gentle treatment, and hence I would advise our exporters to be exceedingly careful and thorough in packing. The articles should first of all be well wrapped in paper, then wound about with a straw rope, or packed well in excelsior packing in tin-lined, strong wooden boxes bound With hoop iron. Too much care can not be taken in packing goods for our foreign trade.
DEALERS
I give herewith the names and addresses of a number of jewelers, goldsmiths, and silversmiths in Bombay, both native and European: Army and Navy Cooperative Society, Esplanade road; Bhicajee & Co., Apollo Bunder; Heerjimul & Co., Esplanade road; Lund & Blockley, Esplanade road; Marcks & Co., Esplanade road; Tarachund Pursram, Meadows street; Kanjimul Bhugwandas & Co., Esplanade road.
WM. THOS. FEE, Consul
BOMBAY, March 20, 1902
Source: Special Consular Reports - Silver and Plated Ware in Foreign Countries - Bureau of Foreign Commerce, Department of State - 1902
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At the request of a Massachusetts firm, a Department instruction was sent, under date of January 16, 1902, to the consular officers of the United States, directing them to report in regard to the trade in foreign countries in silverware and plated ware, and especially as to the possible market for articles of American manufacture. Special information was asked as to the consumption of such goods in the respective consular districts; the extent of local manufacture; the importation from foreign countries as well as from the United States; the tariff on silver and plated goods; the obstacles to the extension of American trade in this line, if any existed; the proper methods of packing, etc.
The answers follow:
BRITISH INDIA
IMPORTS
Considerable quantity of plated ware is imported into this country from the United Kingdom and from other countries of Europe, and as no statistics are available it is hard to form an idea of the extent of the trade. There are several large firms here who deal in plated ware and silverware.
INDIAN MANUFACTURES
India is famous for the manufactures of silverware, and they are extensively used by the native princes and noblemen, and as these are manufactured by individual artisans from time to time and at different places, no reliable statistics of the quantity manufactured can be obtained.
The import duty on silver and plated ware is 5 per cent ad valorem.
S. COMFORT, Vice-Consul-General
CALCUTTA, March 13, 1902
BOMBAY
IMPORTS AND EXPORTS
During the year 1900-1901 there was imported at Bombay from all countries silverware and silver plate to the value of $77,231, and during the same period the exports amounted to $32,248.
The countries from which these wares were imported were:
United Kingdom - $56, 827
Austria-Hungary - 721
Italy - 18
Russia - 2
British East Africa - 14
United States - 59
Aden - 435
China:
Hongkong - 13, 606
Treaty ports - 5, 153
Japan - 247
Persia - 40
South Australia - 109
Total - 77, 231
The exports of silver and plated ware and the countries to which exported were as follows:
United Kingdom - $6, 639
France - 1, 625
Malta - 13
Spain, Gibraltar - 162
British East Africa - 14,537
Abyssinia - 32
Portuguese East Africa - 2, 219
Mauritius - 355
Egypt - 2,911
United States - 278
Aden - 318
Arabia - 16
China, Hongkong - 1,532
Philippines - 357
Straits Settlements - 1,056
New South Wales - 249
Victoria - 49
Total - 32, 248
TARIFF
The Indian tariff on silverware and silver-plated goods is not heavy. Silverware or silver-plated ware other than European is valued, if plain, at 1 rupee per tola (32½ cents per 180 grains), and if embossed or chased its value is placed at 1.4 rupees per tola (40½ cents per 180 grains), and the duty is taxed at 5 per cent on this value. All other sorts of silverware and silver-plated ware are dutiable at 5 per cent ad valorem.
INDIAN SILVERWARE
Bombay is one of the great centers for native Indian silverware, and for which India has been from time immemorial especially famous Every state, both British and native, and in fact every city or considerable village has its particular brand of workmanship in silver. It is all worked by hand-hammered; the designs are quite artistic and frequently illustrative of village life and hunting scenes, though Hindoo mythology is largely drawn upon to furnish the main designs worked in native silverware. Some of this work is highly artistic, showing an inherited cunning of the caste of Hindoo workmen who have handed down the secrets and art of their craft from father to son for generations. The work is not only prized by the natives, but also by Europeans and Americans visiting India.
The silverware is usually made of coin pure silver; the native desires it as free from alloy as possible. It is very common all over India and is to be found in every shop and bazaar. In fact much of the native wealth of the people is to be found in the silverware of the household and in the personal silver ornaments of the members of the family.
The unit of weight by which the ware is sold is the tola (180 grains), equaling the weight of a silver rupee. The retail prices run from 35 cents to 50 cents per tola, varying according to workmanship and quality of silver.
OUTLOOK FOR AMERICAN WARE
There is no obstacle in the way of the extension of American trade in this line other than that which naturally surrounds the extension of our trade in any other line. The distance between India and the United States is great, and transshipment generally takes place in England.
There is a growing demand for silver plate and silver tableware of modern and Western design. It is more serviceable and less expensive. It will in time, no doubt, take the place in daily life, to a practical extent, of the native plate or silverware. There is no reason Why the American manufacturer and exporter should not Obtain a fair share of this trade.
PACKING
American goods in foreign ships do not always receive the most gentle treatment, and hence I would advise our exporters to be exceedingly careful and thorough in packing. The articles should first of all be well wrapped in paper, then wound about with a straw rope, or packed well in excelsior packing in tin-lined, strong wooden boxes bound With hoop iron. Too much care can not be taken in packing goods for our foreign trade.
DEALERS
I give herewith the names and addresses of a number of jewelers, goldsmiths, and silversmiths in Bombay, both native and European: Army and Navy Cooperative Society, Esplanade road; Bhicajee & Co., Apollo Bunder; Heerjimul & Co., Esplanade road; Lund & Blockley, Esplanade road; Marcks & Co., Esplanade road; Tarachund Pursram, Meadows street; Kanjimul Bhugwandas & Co., Esplanade road.
WM. THOS. FEE, Consul
BOMBAY, March 20, 1902
Source: Special Consular Reports - Silver and Plated Ware in Foreign Countries - Bureau of Foreign Commerce, Department of State - 1902
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Re: Indian Colonial Silver & Indian Subcontinent Trade Info
RAMGOPAL DHAR
123, Sankari Bazaar, Dacca
Calcutta Exhibition - 1923
Mr. Ramgopal Dhar, of 123, Sankari Bazaar, Dacca, exhibits his well known conch shells of Dacca together with mother-of-pearl articles set with gold and rubies in stall No. 234.
Source: Calcutta Exhibition - 1923
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123, Sankari Bazaar, Dacca
Calcutta Exhibition - 1923
Mr. Ramgopal Dhar, of 123, Sankari Bazaar, Dacca, exhibits his well known conch shells of Dacca together with mother-of-pearl articles set with gold and rubies in stall No. 234.
Source: Calcutta Exhibition - 1923
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Re: Indian Colonial Silver & Indian Subcontinent Trade Info
N. GUPTA & SONS
5, Gupta Lane, Beadon Square, Calcutta
Calcutta Exhibition - 1923
N. Gupta & Sons, of 5, Gupta Lane, Beadon Square, Calcutta, have taken stall No. 446 to show watch chains, buttons, studs and other articles of jewellery.
Source: Calcutta Exhibition - 1923
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5, Gupta Lane, Beadon Square, Calcutta
Calcutta Exhibition - 1923
N. Gupta & Sons, of 5, Gupta Lane, Beadon Square, Calcutta, have taken stall No. 446 to show watch chains, buttons, studs and other articles of jewellery.
Source: Calcutta Exhibition - 1923
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Re: Indian Colonial Silver & Indian Subcontinent Trade Info
MEHARRY & SONS
9, Gujrati Mohalla, Allahabad
Mehary & Sons - Allahabad - 1941
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9, Gujrati Mohalla, Allahabad
Mehary & Sons - Allahabad - 1941
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Re: Indian Colonial Silver & Indian Subcontinent Trade Info
V.M. RENGASAMI
Tinnevelly Junction and Central Station Road, Trivandrum
V.M. Rengasami - Tinnevelly Junction - 1939
Established in 1920.
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Tinnevelly Junction and Central Station Road, Trivandrum
V.M. Rengasami - Tinnevelly Junction - 1939
Established in 1920.
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Re: Indian Colonial Silver & Indian Subcontinent Trade Info
GIRDHARD DAS, HARI DAS
Benares
459. GIRDHARD DAS, HARI DAS
Postal Address
Indirizzo Postale: Benares, India
General Notice.—This firm are jewellers and brocade merchants in Benares and make a speciality of handwoven silks and gold and silver brocades. Their exhibit comprises gold and silver money bags and table mats, temple woven designs in gold and silver brocade, table covers, cushions and table centres in special designs, Indian dresses woven in one piece, fine silk brocade for dress, sample book of ladies' dress.
Informazioni Generali. —La Ditta, Negozianti di oreficerie e mercanti di broccati a Benares, possiede una specialità di tessuti di seta e broccati d'oro ed argento lavorati a mano. La loro mostra comprende borsellini ricamati in oro ed argento, stuoiette da tavola, broccati d'oro ed argento, riproduzioni
di tessuti sacri, tappeti da tavola, cuscini e centri da tavola in disegni speciali, vestiti Indiani tessuti in un solo pezzo, broccato fino di seta per vestiti, libro di campioni per vestiti da donna.
Source: Milan International Exhibition, 1906 : Catalogue of the British Section - 1906
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Benares
459. GIRDHARD DAS, HARI DAS
Postal Address
Indirizzo Postale: Benares, India
General Notice.—This firm are jewellers and brocade merchants in Benares and make a speciality of handwoven silks and gold and silver brocades. Their exhibit comprises gold and silver money bags and table mats, temple woven designs in gold and silver brocade, table covers, cushions and table centres in special designs, Indian dresses woven in one piece, fine silk brocade for dress, sample book of ladies' dress.
Informazioni Generali. —La Ditta, Negozianti di oreficerie e mercanti di broccati a Benares, possiede una specialità di tessuti di seta e broccati d'oro ed argento lavorati a mano. La loro mostra comprende borsellini ricamati in oro ed argento, stuoiette da tavola, broccati d'oro ed argento, riproduzioni
di tessuti sacri, tappeti da tavola, cuscini e centri da tavola in disegni speciali, vestiti Indiani tessuti in un solo pezzo, broccato fino di seta per vestiti, libro di campioni per vestiti da donna.
Source: Milan International Exhibition, 1906 : Catalogue of the British Section - 1906
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Re: Indian Colonial Silver & Indian Subcontinent Trade Info
MD. DEEVAN SAHIB & SONS
Big Bazaar, Trichinopoly
Md. Deevan Sahib & Sons - Trichinopoly - 1939
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Big Bazaar, Trichinopoly
Md. Deevan Sahib & Sons - Trichinopoly - 1939
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Re: Indian Colonial Silver & Indian Subcontinent Trade Info
G.N. CHAKRAPANI CHETTY & Co.
40 & 41, East Avani Moola Street, Madura
G.N. Chakrapani Chetty & Co. - Madura - 1939
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40 & 41, East Avani Moola Street, Madura
G.N. Chakrapani Chetty & Co. - Madura - 1939
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Re: Indian Colonial Silver & Indian Subcontinent Trade Info
THE DAZZLING DIAMOND Co.
Big Bazaar, Trichinopoly
The Dazzling Diamond Co. - Trichinopoly - 1939
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Big Bazaar, Trichinopoly
The Dazzling Diamond Co. - Trichinopoly - 1939
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Re: Indian Colonial Silver & Indian Subcontinent Trade Info
S. SIRKAR & Co.
125, Bowbazar Street, Calcutta
S. Sirkar & Co. - Calcutta - 1949
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125, Bowbazar Street, Calcutta
S. Sirkar & Co. - Calcutta - 1949
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Re: Indian Colonial Silver & Indian Subcontinent Trade Info
SHEWAKRAM & SONS
Hornby Road, Bombay and The Mall, Lahore, Simla and Mussoorie
Shewakram & Sons - Bombay - 1927
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Hornby Road, Bombay and The Mall, Lahore, Simla and Mussoorie
Shewakram & Sons - Bombay - 1927
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Re: Indian Colonial Silver & Indian Subcontinent Trade Info
C. MARCKS & Co., later, MARCKS & Co. Ltd.
1, East Street and 8, Arsenal Road, Poona, and 2, Hummum Street, Fort, Bombay
C. Marcks & Co. - Bombay - 1881
Marcks & Co. Ltd. - Poona - 1904
Marcks & Co. Ltd. - Poona - c.1920
Marcks & Co. Ltd. - Poona - 1922
Noted as being customers of James Dixon & Sons of Sheffield in 1915.
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1, East Street and 8, Arsenal Road, Poona, and 2, Hummum Street, Fort, Bombay
C. Marcks & Co. - Bombay - 1881
Marcks & Co. Ltd. - Poona - 1904
Marcks & Co. Ltd. - Poona - c.1920
Marcks & Co. Ltd. - Poona - 1922
Noted as being customers of James Dixon & Sons of Sheffield in 1915.
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Re: Indian Colonial Silver & Indian Subcontinent Trade Info
WEST END WATCH Co.
49, Esplanade Road, Bombay and 16, Old Court House Street, Calcutta
West End Watch Co. - Bombay and Calcutta - 1927
West End Watch Co. - Bombay and Calcutta - 1931
West End Watch Co. - Bombay and Calcutta - 1947
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49, Esplanade Road, Bombay and 16, Old Court House Street, Calcutta
West End Watch Co. - Bombay and Calcutta - 1927
West End Watch Co. - Bombay and Calcutta - 1931
West End Watch Co. - Bombay and Calcutta - 1947
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Re: Indian Colonial Silver & Indian Subcontinent Trade Info
D. CHELLARAM
Sir Phirozshah Mehta Road, later, 41-45, Medows Street, Bombay
D. Chellaram - Bombay - 1927
D. Chellaram - Bombay - 1931
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Sir Phirozshah Mehta Road, later, 41-45, Medows Street, Bombay
D. Chellaram - Bombay - 1927
D. Chellaram - Bombay - 1931
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Re: Indian Colonial Silver & Indian Subcontinent Trade Info
GAZDAR PRIVATE Ltd.
Taj Mahal Hotel, Bombay
Gazdar Private Ltd. - Bombay - 1958
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Taj Mahal Hotel, Bombay
Gazdar Private Ltd. - Bombay - 1958
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Re: Indian Colonial Silver & Indian Subcontinent Trade Info
PEARLS PALACE
65, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Bombay
Pearls Palace - Bombay - 1958
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65, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Bombay
Pearls Palace - Bombay - 1958
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Re: Indian Colonial Silver & Indian Subcontinent Trade Info
MADORINA WATCH Co. Ltd.
Standard Building, 336, Hornby Road, Bombay
Madorina Watch Co. Ltd. - Bombay - 1933
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Standard Building, 336, Hornby Road, Bombay
Madorina Watch Co. Ltd. - Bombay - 1933
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