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I just acquired a stout little sauce ladle (17.8cm, 84gm), marked for London, 1861-62, sterling, and maker's mark "WS". Maker's mark may very well be an overstrike:



Any ideas? The date is a little late for Jackson's. TIA!

SS

Hi, Looks like William Smily to me (Marks of London Goldsmiths 1837-1914 John P. Fallon, page267) regards Trev.

Thank you, Trev. Might Fallon mention an entry date or working period for Smily? Thanks again!

SS

Hi SS, William Smily was born in 1792, apprenticed to Joseph Preston and then to Thomas Wallis(No2), he did not take up his freedom until 1830.
In 1833 his son, William Robert Smily was apprenticed to him, his second son Samuel Smily in 1840 and Thomas Smily in 1841.
William Smily died in 1865, hope this helps, regards Trev.

Thank you, Trev, for the additional info, I appreciate your effort. With this ladle's date of 1861-2, and his death in 1865, it doesn't look like Mr. Smily had much of a retirement, does it?

SS

Hi SS, To quote from Fallon's book " In later life, William Smily indulged in experimental farming. This he pursued at Camp Farm, Nazeing, Essex, which he owned and later bequeathed to his widow, Caroline Elizabeth. The farm subsequently became the Smily family's country residence, used for summer holidays until sold by William Smily's grandson, Samuel Smily No2, in 1912 " ,He left an estate of over £5,000 a lot of money in those days, regards Trev.

Just checked in again, and saw your last comment. I guess Mr. Smily did not work until he dropped after all. Seems to have enjoyed the bounty of his efforts, as hopefully we are all so doing today. Thanks again, Trev, and happy Thanksgiving to you and everyone.

SS