South African and Rhodesian Silversmiths

For information you'd like to share - Post it here - not for questions
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 58994
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: South African and Rhodesian Silversmiths

Post by dognose »

THOMAS STEPHENSON

Sir Lowry Street, Cape Town


Thomas Stephenson was recorded as a Silversmith, located at Sir Lowry Street, Cape Town in The Cape of Good Hope Almanac and Annual Register for 1846 - J.B. Van de Sandt

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 58994
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: South African and Rhodesian Silversmiths

Post by dognose »

SOUTH AFRICAN MARKETS FOR AMERICAN HARDWARE

Table Cutlery

In table cutlery the demand is always for steel-blade knives, with about six-inch blades for meat courses and four and a half inch blades for butter and desserts. Handles are either celluloid or hollow metal, the former being the more common in homes and the latter in public places. Knives are regularly scoured and sharpened, and the American plated knife blades will not be accepted. This is true from the best grades down to the native trade in tinned steel. The only exception generally is in the case of fish knives; here the whole article is nickel plated -or silver plated, as the case may be. Where celluloid (known in South Africa under the English name of xylonite) handles are used they are plain oval or rectangular in section, while hollow-metal handles are oval in section and finished with fluted surfaces. Very few plain-surface metal handles are seen, except in the cheapest qualities.

Forks are generally similar to American types, except that they seem to be made with less curve; for meats a larger, and for desserts a smaller, fork is used than in the United States. The popular patterns throughout South Africa are "Old English" and "Fiddle." The spoons are like the American ones, with large tablespoons used for soup and dessert spoons used for puddings, stewed fruits, etc., in conjunction with a fork of medium size. Small teaspoons are used.

One of the best-known cutlery brands in the market is the Elkington, which is generally handled by a good firm in each city. Two or three other brands are also widely seen. An Elkington catalogue has been submitted in connection with this report and may be examined upon application to the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce (mentioning file No. 40882).

Several makers seem to be using a new type of steel for their knife blades under the brand "Stainless," and these blades do maintain a good brightness under constant use.

Monograms or names are stamped on most hotel and restaurant cutlery, even in the case of small hotels. This may be due partly to custom, but the employment of native servants makes the practice quite desirable.

American table cutlery is said to compete in price normally, but it does not appear that manufacturers have tried the market out to any great extent. A widely advertised American brand of cutlery is said to be represented in South Africa by a man whose main line is wholly different and who naturally is not able to do much with it. On the whole, American firms do not seem to be aggressive in the market.

In the cheap table-cutlery lines Germany obtained a good deal of the business on the basis of the low prices quoted. Tinned steel tablespoons were sold before the war for as low as 8 cents per dozen f. o. b. Hamburg, and were sold at 16 cents per dozen to retailers, who charged the natives 2 cents each for them. Nickel handle "medium quality" German table knives were quoted in 1913-14 at 47 cents per dozen f. o. b. Hamburg, and white-metal forks and spoons at $3.87 and $3.92 per gross, respectively.

For the cheaper trade among white purchasers, wooden-handle, steel-blade knives and forks are a standard line in South Africa, being offered in two or three grades. Handles are of black or white wood, with metal trimming. This is an English line, though the German houses also did a good deal of business.


Source: Hardware Review - January 1921

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 58994
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: South African and Rhodesian Silversmiths

Post by dognose »

SILVER TABLEWARE TRADE

South Africa

[From Consul Edwin N. Gunsaulus, Johannesburg, Transvaal]

Silver-plated ware, called here electroplate, is extensively used in the households of the Johannesburg consular district. The bulk of this were is imported from England, a small portion coming from the United States, while the cheaper grades are of German manufacture. Of the total imports of knives and forks into this consular district, 95 per cent of the knives have steel blades with zylonite handles. In forks, white metal and electroplated ware are almost universally used, ordinary steel forks being little in evidence. Most of the solid-silver sets imported are put up in presentation cases.

Silver-plated fish knives and forks are priced $4.50 to $16 per dozen pieces, according to size, style, and quality of handle. Silver-plated fruit knives and forks range from $3.65 to $8.50 per dozen pieces, the price being largely dependent upon the style and quality of the handle. Electro and silver plated teaspoons cost $1.25 to $3.75 per dozen. Steel table knives with zylonite handles vary in price from $3 to $7.50 per dozen, and forks of white metal, electroplated, from $1.80 to $7.50 per dozen. Electroplated teaspoons sell for $0.75 to $2.50 per dozen. The customs duty on silver and silverplated ware is 15 per cent ad valorem, with a 3 per cent ad valorem rebate on goods of British manufacture.

There is no real prejudice against silver and silver-plated goods of American manufacture, except, perhaps, in the matter of the style of spoons and forks, which in many instances have too much figure work to suit the average customer, this proving a difficulty in the way of cleaning. Plain spoons and forks are the best for this market.


Source: Daily Consular and Trade Reports, Part 4, Issues 231-307 - Department of Commerce and Labor, Bureau of Manufactures - 1913

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 58994
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: South African and Rhodesian Silversmiths

Post by dognose »

MORRIS SLOMAN

14, St. George's Street, Cape Town

Morris Sloman was recorded as a Watchmaker, located at 14, St. George's Street, Cape Town in The Cape of Good Hope Almanac and Annual Register for 1846 - J.B. Van de Sandt


On the recommendation of the Board of Benevolence of Dec. 1851, and on motion duly made and seconded,
It Was Resolved,—" That the sum of £50 be granted to the widow of the late Bro. Morris Sloman, of the British Lodge, No. 419, Cape of Good Hope."


Source: The Freemasons' Quarterly Magazine and Review - 31st March 1852

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 58994
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: South African and Rhodesian Silversmiths

Post by dognose »

WILLIAM MOORE

36, St. John Street, Cape Town


William Moore was recorded as a Silversmith, located at 36, St. John Street, Cape Town in The Cape of Good Hope Almanac and Annual Register for 1846 - J.B. Van de Sandt

William Moore's working period is thought to be 1840-1863.

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 58994
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: South African and Rhodesian Silversmiths

Post by dognose »

HENRY GEORGE FOORD

84, Strand Street, Cape Town


Henry George Foord was recorded as a Engraver, located at 84, Strand Street, Cape Town in The Cape of Good Hope Almanac and Annual Register for 1846 - J.B. Van de Sandt

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 58994
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: South African and Rhodesian Silversmiths

Post by dognose »

BENNY GREEN

Worcester, Western Cape


COLONIAL SECRETARY'S MINISTERIAL DIVISION

ALIENS NATURALIZATION ACTS, 1883 AND 1889

The subjoined Return for the half-year ended 31st December, 1906, in conformity with Section 9 of Act 2 of 1883, of persons to whom Letters of Naturalization have been granted under the above mentioned Acts, is hereby published for general information.

H. B. SHAWE,

Acting Under Colonial Secretary


Name according to application: Green, Benny

Birthplace: Illoken, Kovna, Russia

Occupation: Watchmaker

Residence in Colony: Worcester

Date of Issue of Letters of Naturalization: 11th September 1906


Source: The Cape of Good Hope Government Gazette - 11th January 1907

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 58994
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: South African and Rhodesian Silversmiths

Post by dognose »

ABRAHAM HOFFMAN

Cape town


COLONIAL SECRETARY'S MINISTERIAL DIVISION

ALIENS NATURALIZATION ACTS, 1883 AND 1889

The subjoined Return for the half-year ended 31st December, 1906, in conformity with Section 9 of Act 2 of 1883, of persons to whom Letters of Naturalization have been granted under the above mentioned Acts, is hereby published for general information.

H. B. SHAWE,

Acting Under Colonial Secretary


Name according to application: Hoffman, Abraham

Birthplace: Brody, Galicia, Austria

Occupation: Jeweller and General Dealer

Residence in Colony: Cape Town

Date of Issue of Letters of Naturalization: 20th July 1906


Source: The Cape of Good Hope Government Gazette - 11th January 1907

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 58994
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: South African and Rhodesian Silversmiths

Post by dognose »

WILLEM GODFRIED COMBRINK

51, Dorp Street, Cape Town

Willem Godfried Combrink was recorded as a Watchmaker, located at 51, Dorp Street, Cape Town in The Cape of Good Hope Almanac and Annual Register for 1846 - J.B. Van de Sandt

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 58994
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: South African and Rhodesian Silversmiths

Post by dognose »

JOHANNES COMBRINK

50, Dorp Street, Cape Town

Johannes Combrink was recorded as a Silversmith, located at 50, Dorp Street, Cape Town in The Cape of Good Hope Almanac and Annual Register for 1846 - J.B. Van de Sandt

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 58994
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: South African and Rhodesian Silversmiths

Post by dognose »

FRIEDRICH HIRSCHMANN

Colesberg


COLONIAL SECRETARY'S MINISTERIAL DIVISION

ALIENS NATURALIZATION ACTS, 1883 AND 1889

The subjoined Return for the half-year ended 31st December, 1906, in conformity with Section 9 of Act 2 of 1883, of persons to whom Letters of Naturalization have been granted under the above mentioned Acts, is hereby published for general information.

H. B. SHAWE,

Acting Under Colonial Secretary


Name according to application: Hirschmann, Friedrich

Birthplace: Gmünd, Württemberg

Occupation: Watchmaker

Residence in Colony: Colesberg

Date of Issue of Letters of Naturalization: 27th September 1906


Source: The Cape of Good Hope Government Gazette - 11th January 1907

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 58994
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: South African and Rhodesian Silversmiths

Post by dognose »

SAMUEL KLEINMAN

Cape Town


COLONIAL SECRETARY'S MINISTERIAL DIVISION

ALIENS NATURALIZATION ACTS, 1883 AND 1889

The subjoined Return for the half-year ended 31st December, 1906, in conformity with Section 9 of Act 2 of 1883, of persons to whom Letters of Naturalization have been granted under the above mentioned Acts, is hereby published for general information.

H. B. SHAWE,

Acting Under Colonial Secretary


Name according to application: Kleinman, Samuel

Birthplace: Mitau, Gouv, Kurland, Russia

Occupation: Watchmaker

Residence in Colony: Cape Town

Date of Issue of Letters of Naturalization: 16th September 1906


Source: The Cape of Good Hope Government Gazette - 11th January 1907

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 58994
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: South African and Rhodesian Silversmiths

Post by dognose »

ABRAHAM JACOBUS FELIX

Burg Street, Cape Town


Abraham Jacobus Felix was recorded as a Jeweller, located at Burg Street, Cape Town in The Cape of Good Hope Almanac and Annual Register for 1846 - J.B. Van de Sandt

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 58994
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: South African and Rhodesian Silversmiths

Post by dognose »

ROBERT AYRES

Mount Street, Cape Town


Robert Ayres was recorded as an Optician, located at Mount Street, Cape Town in The Cape of Good Hope Almanac and Annual Register for 1846 - J.B. Van de Sandt

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 58994
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: South African and Rhodesian Silversmiths

Post by dognose »

HARRY MORSER

Green Point, Cape Town


COLONIAL SECRETARY'S MINISTERIAL DIVISION

ALIENS NATURALIZATION ACTS, 1883 AND 1889

The subjoined Return for the half-year ended 31st December, 1906, in conformity with Section 9 of Act 2 of 1883, of persons to whom Letters of Naturalization have been granted under the above mentioned Acts, is hereby published for general information.

H. B. SHAWE,

Acting Under Colonial Secretary


Name according to application: Morser, Harry

Birthplace: Vienna, Austria

Occupation: Wholesale Jeweller

Residence in Colony: Green Point, Cape Town

Date of Issue of Letters of Naturalization: 20th July 1906


Source: The Cape of Good Hope Government Gazette - 11th January 1907

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 58994
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: South African and Rhodesian Silversmiths

Post by dognose »

MENDEL MOSEMAN

Somerset West


COLONIAL SECRETARY'S MINISTERIAL DIVISION

ALIENS NATURALIZATION ACTS, 1883 AND 1889

The subjoined Return for the half-year ended 31st December, 1906, in conformity with Section 9 of Act 2 of 1883, of persons to whom Letters of Naturalization have been granted under the above mentioned Acts, is hereby published for general information.

H. B. SHAWE,

Acting Under Colonial Secretary


Name according to application: Moseman, Mendel

Birthplace: Plungjan, Telschi*, Russia

Occupation: Watchmaker

Residence in Colony: Somerset West

Date of Issue of Letters of Naturalization: 27th September 1906


Source: The Cape of Good Hope Government Gazette - 11th January 1907

*perhaps Telšiai, Lithuania?

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 58994
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: South African and Rhodesian Silversmiths

Post by dognose »

The Cape Town, South Africa, papers state that one of the largest shipments of American watches ever made to that country has just been made by the New England Watch Co., Waterbury.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 27th August 1902

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 58994
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: South African and Rhodesian Silversmiths

Post by dognose »

THE NDAU COLLECTION

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe


Image

The Ndau Collection was formed in 1998 by Gail van Jaarsveldt and Gill Athestone. The business is now in the hands of Gail van Jaarsveldt and her eldest daughter Christie Halsted.

Joe Mutoko is The Ndau Collection’s head silversmith and stone-cutter and has been with The Ndau Collection since it began. Joe is a third generation traditional jeweller, with both his grandfather and his uncle having created traditional Shona beads.

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 58994
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: South African and Rhodesian Silversmiths

Post by dognose »

RICHARD MEAD

Rhodesia


An example of the work and mark of the Rhodesian coppersmith, Richard Mead:

Image

Image

Image

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 58994
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: South African and Rhodesian Silversmiths

Post by dognose »

LOUIS PALETZ

Worcester, Western Cape


COLONIAL SECRETARY'S MINISTERIAL DIVISION

ALIENS NATURALIZATION ACTS, 1883 AND 1889

The subjoined Return for the half-year ended 31st December, 1906, in conformity with Section 9 of Act 2 of 1883, of persons to whom Letters of Naturalization have been granted under the above mentioned Acts, is hereby published for general information.

H. B. SHAWE,

Acting Under Colonial Secretary


Name according to application: Paletz, Louis

Birthplace: Wilkomir, Kov. Govt., Russia

Occupation: Watchmaker

Residence in Colony: Worcester

Date of Issue of Letters of Naturalization: 30th November 1906


Source: The Cape of Good Hope Government Gazette - 11th January 1907

Trev.
Post Reply

Return to “Contributors' Notes”