An Exeter Silversmith Identified?

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dognose
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An Exeter Silversmith Identified?

Post by dognose »

An Exeter Silversmith Identified?

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The identity of the silversmith who used the 'JAP' mark on Exeter silver, I believe, is still a mystery to many, myself included, but I came across this piece of research from 1996 that perhaps provides the answer to this long standing question.

The Identity of the Westcountry Silversmith JAP

A silversmith’s mark consisting of the Roman capital letters JAP in a rectangular punch is not uncommon on flatware assayed in Exeter. However, it is not mentioned in either national or local listings of hallmarks. The most recent examples encountered by the writer are on five fiddle pattern teaspoons and a pair of Old English pattern tablespoons. All are stamped with the maker’s mark, the duty mark, the lion passant, and the Exeter town mark. Between them they carry the Exeter date letters for 1840/41 (gothic D) 1847/48 (Gothic L) and 1848/49 (gothic M).

The use of the 1840/41 punch had to be delayed owing to its late arrival from London, but generally the date letter was changed on 7 August of each year. The account of all the silverware assayed at the Exeter Assay Office between 7 August 1840 and 7 August 1849 does not list any silversmith with the initials JAP or JP. This is despite the existence of a copper plate, once belonging to the Exeter Assay Office, punched with the mark JAP. The plate is undated and bears no example of date letters. However JAP’s mark appears between those of William Harris Rowe of Devenport (fl. 1836 — 1849) and Exeter’s George Carter (fl. 1834 — 1842).

There is no silversmith with the initials JAP among those listed in the Exeter trade directories available for the period. Nor is there one among the members and freemen of the Exeter Company of Goldsmiths, or those created freemen of the City of Exeter during the nineteenth century. He or she appears therefore, to have been one of a number of silversmiths who lived and worked away from Exeter, but sent their products there to be assayed.

Perusal of trade directories for elsewhere in the Westcountry reveals among the of Plymouth the probable identity of JAP — James Andrew Page. In 1840 Page was working at 17, Whimple Street, but by 1852 his address was being given as 17, George Street. In April 1856 these premises were broken into, but the intruders were unable to proceed beyond the kitchen. Some time between then and 1862 his business became Page, Keen and Page and by 1866 had moved to 41, George Street. His home appears to have to have been at Townsend Hill Villa, and then possibly after his retirement 10 Windsor Terrace. It has yet to be discovered which of the Exeter silversmiths submitted work to the Assay Office on his behalf.


Source: Devon & Cornwall Notes & Queries — Author: Sadru Bhanji - Autumn 1996

James Andrew Page, was the son of Thomas and Jane (nee Smith) Page, who were married at Stoke Damerel Parish Church on the 10th March 1801. James Andrew Page was born on the 4th March 1811 and baptised at the Batter Street Presbyterian Chapel on the 13th June of that same year. James later married Anne Eliza Hearder on the 25th July 1834. He died, at Plymouth on the 14th October 1898.

Quite when the business of Page, Keen and Page was founded is in some doubt. The firm itself always claimed that they were founded in 1811, the same year of James Andrew Page's birth, perhaps Page took a another business that is as yet unidentified, but as of yet, no evidence has come to light to verify that claim. It is thought that the business was running by 1838 at 17, George Street, Plymouth, and the 1841 census reveals that living at James Street, Plymouth was a 19-years-old apprentice jeweller, named Henry Keen. Whether Henry keen trained under James Andrew Page is unknown, but it is likely, as he later became Page's partner in the business, the other partner noted was James Hearder Page, who joined his father and Henry Keen in 1871. James Hearder Page had married Paulina Jane Stevens on the 6th October 1863.

A dissolution of the partnership occured on the 1st January 1872, with James Andrew Page retiring from the business. Henry Keen died on the 26th November 1886. At around the turn of the century the partners were noted as James Hearder Page, and his two sons, Reginald George Page and James William Frederick Page. James Hearder Page retired on the 18th June 1913, and he died, aged 80 years, on the 18th January 1918. In 1925 the firm converted into a limited liability company, and in that same year Page, Keen & Page merged with Goulding & Co. who were also located at George Street, Plymouth.

In 1941 the George Street premises were destroyed by enemy action, and the firm moved, firstly to 17, Duke Street, Tavistock, before returning to Plymouth at the end of the war, to the location of 87, Mutley Plain.

J.W. Page died having been knocked down by a bus at the end of the year 1935, he was aged 58 years. R.G. Page died in 1945, aged 76 years. The directors at the time were noted as F.M.S Carter and B. Newton. An earlier director who pre-deceased R.G. Page was noted as T.W. Willes.

Page, Keen and Page Ltd. merged with Bowden and Sons in the 1970s and the famous old name of Page, Keen & Page disappeared. Bowden and Sons later became part of the Michael Spiers group of jewellers.

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dognose
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Re: An Exeter Silversmith Identified?

Post by dognose »

PAGE, KEEN & PAGE

17, George Street, Plymouth

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Page, Keen & Page - Plymouth - 1900

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Re: An Exeter Silversmith Identified?

Post by Granmaa »

Good stuff, Trev.

The 1996 piece suggest that JAP was making his own silver and having it marked and assayed under the name of an Exeter smith. This would have been unnecessary, so it's much more likely he was retailing. I've seen his mark on flatware dating from 1838-48.
The first mention I've found for him is 1838 listed in Robson’s Directory of Devon as a jeweller and silversmith at 17 Whimple St, Plymouth.

Miles
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Re: An Exeter Silversmith Identified?

Post by dognose »

Some notes on Bowden & Sons, who merged with Page, Keen and Page in the 1970's:

The firm of Bowden & Sons can be traced back to Jabez Shepheard who established his business at 9, George Street, Plymouth in 1837. In 1869, Shepheard's business was acquired by Frederick Edmund Bowden, who had served his apprenticeship under the Plymouth silversmith John Goulding.

Around the turn of the century, Frederick was joined by his sons, Arthur Henry Bowden and Sydney Edmund Bowden, and a move to larger premises at 72, George Street, Plymouth occurred in 1903. Arthur's son, Frederick Ponsford Bowden, joined the firm in 1922, and 1926 saw the passing of Frederick Edmund Bowden, aged 81 years.

Like Page, Keen and Page, the premises of Bowden & Sons were destroyed in the air raids that destroyed Plymouth's city centre in 1941and they moved into premises at Mutley Plain.

The 1950's saw the company in the hands of Frederick Ponsford Bowden, assisted by his son, Frederick Anthony Bowden. They acquired the rival business of Levy & Sloggett and moved into the former premises of that business at 32, Royal Parade, Plymouth in 1959.

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rhodrit
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Re: An Exeter Silversmith Identified?

Post by rhodrit »

I have this spoon which has replica Plymouth marks by page, keen & Page. Now I see in the advertisement above they made souvenier spoons this makes more sense : )

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Regards,
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Re: An Exeter Silversmith Identified?

Post by Stringsing »

We recently acquired a large sterling serving spoon by JAP marked as Exeter 1842. The spoon is scalloped, chased and embossed, weighs almost 3oz. The spoon was found at a Maryland auction and cost virtually nothing. Thanks for the useful information.
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Re: An Exeter Silversmith Identified?

Post by dognose »

Hi,

Welcome to the Forum. It's good to see that you found the information useful.

I'm sure we all would like to see some images of your spoon and marks, the below may help.

How to Add Images

http://www.postimg.com is recommended. Embedded images get a far greater response than just posting links.

Remember to use the 'Preview' button before submitting your post.

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Re: An Exeter Silversmith Identified?

Post by dognose »

APPOINTMENT OF LIQUIDATORS

PAGE KEEN & PAGE LIMITED, jewellers, 87, Mutley Plain, Plymouth. Liquidator: Frederick John Warmingham Hodgson, 44, Thorn Park, Plymouth. Appointed by Members, December18, 1957.


Source: Watchmaker, Jeweller & Silversmith - February 1958

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Re: An Exeter Silversmith Identified?

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NEW COMPANIES

PAGE, KEEN & PAGE LIMITED. To take over the business of jewellers carried on at 87 Mutley Plain, Plymouth, by Page, Keen & Page Ltd. (in voluntary liquidation). £7,500. Directors: to be appointed by subscribers. Subscribers: David C. Blatchford, 28 Merrivale Road, Beacon Park, Plymouth; Malcolm J. Hanslip, 12, Clarence Road, Torpoint, Cornwall.


Source: Watchmaker, Jeweller & Silversmith - April 1960

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Re: An Exeter Silversmith Identified?

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A medallion issued by Page, Keen & Page that shows their London registration:

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PK above &P - London - 1937

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Re: An Exeter Silversmith Identified?

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H.M.S. "CARNARVON"

THE COUNTY PRESENTATION


A number of cruisers recently built have been named after English and Welsh counties, and naturally the interest of the people of Carnarvonshire centres in H.M.S. '"Carnarvon." On the suggestion of Mr J. E. Greaves (the Lord Lieutenant), a subscription list was opened, with the object of making a county presentation to the ship. A substantial sum was collected, and it was resolved that the presentation should take the form of a shield, a ship's gong, and a ship's bell. These have just arrived, and are in the safe custody of Mr A. Bodvel-Roberts (clerk of the peace), who has made arrangements to have them removed to the County Hall for inspection next week by the subscribers and others. The presentation cannot be made at present, because the H.M.S. "Carnarvon" is in the Mediterranean, and will be away on foreign service until 1907. When she returns to home waters, she will call at Holyhead, when the formal presentation will take place. The probability is that an ensign also will be presented. The following is a description of the shield, the gong, and the bell: — Shield: The shield is solid silver, 24 inches high, and 19 inches across widest part, in the centre panel is a perfect representation of H.M.S. "Carnarvon," beautifully chased in low relief, every detail of the vessel being accurately shown. Immediately under this is another panel bearing the following inscription —"Presented by the County to H.M. Cruiser "Carnarvon" on the occasion of her first Commission, A.D. 1905, as a trophy for competition amongst the ship's gun crews," and below this again in a third panel Carnarvon Castle is portrayed, finely chased in high relief. Immediately above the centre panel is a circle enclosing the Carnarvon Arms with laurel spray on one side, and on the other oak and acorn also chased in low relief, and above this the Prince of Wales's plume and motto, "Ich Dien." Right and left of the centre panel a Welsh dragon chased with plain border is placed, and the spaces between the panels and the outer border are ornamented with highly chased groups of leeks, roses, shamrocks, and thistles, while naval ensigns support the panel bearing the inscription. All the panels have scroll borders, and a highly chased border completes the shield, which is mounted on solid fumed oak, on which, immediately above the shield, on a ribbon in raised letters, appears H.M.S. "Carnarvon," while at the foot is a chased wreath and anchor. Round the shield are placed several smaller shields for the purpose of engraving with the name of the winner. The Ship's Gong: A set of four, with beater, mounted on shaped polished oak frame, with a flat silver border, and a silver rope mounted on it. At the top of frame is a silver scroll with the following inscription:—Presented by the County to H.M. Cruiser 'Carnarvon' on the occasion of her first Commission, A.D. 1905." On the bottom of frame, on a silver scroll, is engraved H.M.S. "Carnarvon," and in the centre in chased oxydised silver, the Carnarvon arms, surmounted by the Prince of Wales's plume, with the motto "Ich Dien." The Ship's Bell: This measures 18 inches in diameter at mouth, and has two ornamental bands of raised leeks; between the bands in raided letters, is the following — "H.M.S. 'Carnarvon,' 1905," and on the sound bow is engraved and blacked in the inscription: —. "Presented by the County to H.M. Cruiser 'Carnarvon,' on the occasion of her first Commission, A.D 1905." The bell is surmounted by the Prince of Wales's plume, finely chased in bronze, with the motto "Ich Dien." The whole have been specially designed and manufactured by Messrs. Page, Keen and Page, Plymouth.


Source: Carnarvon and Denbigh Herald - 2nd March 1906

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Re: An Exeter Silversmith Identified?

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A compact by Page, Keen & Page, assayed at Birmingham in 1935, and struck with additional retailer's mark, PAGE/PLYMOUTH:

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PK/&P - Birmingham - 1935

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Re: An Exeter Silversmith Identified?

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Notice of Dissolution of Partnership

Notice is hereby given, that the Partnership heretofore subsisting between us, the undersigned, James Hearder Page, Reginald George Page, and James William Frederic Page, carrying on business as Jewellers, at No. 17, George-street, Plymouth, in the county of Devon, under the style or firm of PAGE, KEEN AND PAGE, has been dissolved as and from the 18th day of June, 1913, so far as concerns the said James Hearder Page, who retires from the said firm. All debts due to and owing by the said late firm will be received and paid respectively by the said Reginald George Page and James William Frederic Page, who will continue to carry on the said business in partnership under the style or firm of Page, Keen and Page.—Dated the tenth day of July, 1913.
JAMES H. PAGE.
REGINALD G. PAGE.
J. W. F. PAGE.


Source: The London Gazette - 15th July 1913

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Re: An Exeter Silversmith Identified?

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Fowey and Par Consols.—Major William Davis, R.M., having retired from the pursership of this mine, the agents and clerks have presented to him a beautiful silver inkstand, suitably inscribed, accompanied by an address, setting forth that it was bestowed in appreciation of the kind, courteous, and gentlemanly conduct which Major Davis had ever evinced in his dealings with them, and that it was with sincere regret they regarded his resignation, although their good wishes for his welfare and happiness would follow him and continue throughout life. The presentation was made by the Rev. Dr. Treffry, and the inkstand, which was supplied by Messrs. Page, Keen, and Page, of Plymouth, was greatly admired, Major Davis in feeling terms expressed his thanks to the donors.

Source: The Mining Journal - 21st April 1866

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Re: An Exeter Silversmith Identified?

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Gold Ring found in the River Avon, Devonshire.

Mr. William Hearder, of 195, Union street, Plymouth, writes:- " Messrs, Page. Keen and Page, Jewellers, of Plymouth, have shown me a signet ring that was picked up in the River Avon a short time ago. It was found by Lieut. M. Kennard. R.N. Devonport, who took it to Messrs. Page to see if they could identify it. They found by a private mark in the inside that the ring was bought from them some thirty-three years ago. They cannot trace the name of the buyer. It is hoped that by giving publicity to the incident it may be the means of finding the owner of it, as Lieut. Kennard is anxious to find him if possible."


Source: The Fishing Gazette - 1st June 1907


Signet-Ring Found in the River Avon

Dear Sir,—Messrs. Page, Keen, and Page, jewellers, of Plymouth, have received a letter from Lieutenant Kennard, saying that he has heard from Major Hickley, who is stationed in India, that his late father lost such a ring many years ago, and it answered the description that he gave of it, so there is no doubt that the ring that has lain in the river for more than thirty years, although not being returned exactly to its owner, has at least found a relative.
Yours truly,
William Hearder
195, Union Street, Plymouth.


Source: The Fishing Gazette - 22nd June 1907

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Re: An Exeter Silversmith Identified?

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A silver trophy by Page, Keen & Page, assayed at Birmingham in 1937:

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PK/&P - Birmingham - 1937

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