William Comyns & Sons

William Comyns & Sons was one of the most notable London silversmithing firms of the Victorian and Edwardian periods, renowned for its exceptional decorative silverwork. William Comyns founded the company in 1858, following his apprenticeship with George J. Richards. He initially operated from the former premises of silversmith Robert Tagg at 2 Carlisle Street, Soho, London, where he registered his first maker’s mark (W.C in a four-tipped oval) in 1859.

The firm quickly gained recognition for its finely crafted silverware, particularly elaborate dressing table sets, vanity boxes, and pictorial repoussé work. As demand grew, Comyns expanded operations, acquiring additional premises on Beak Street and Regent Street. In 1885, his sons, Charles and Richard, joined the business, leading to its renaming as William Comyns & Sons.

Comyns’ silverware was retailed by some of the world’s most prestigious firms, including Tiffany & Co., The Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company, and leading London retailers such as Henry Lewis and Howell & James. Among its most distinctive creations were silver and tortoiseshell pieces featuring delicate piqué work, a technique of inlaying fine silver patterns into tortoiseshell. These, along with jewellery boxes, toiletry sets, clocks, and other objets d’art, were crafted in ornate Victorian and flowing Art Nouveau styles, highly prized for their intricate designs and exceptional quality.

Following William Comyns’ death in 1916, his sons navigated the challenges of World War I. After Charles passed away in 1925, the firm became a limited liability company under Richard Comyns. The firm survived through the interwar years and continued producing high-quality silverware. In 1953, Bernard Copping acquired the company, but it changed hands multiple times in the following decades. William Comyns & Sons eventually ceased trading and was formally liquidated in 1987.

Despite its closure, Comyns silverware remains highly collectible, admired for its refined craftsmanship and historical significance in British silversmithing.