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Has anybody come across a metalworker, silversmith or plater by the name of Joseph Findell or Fendall? He was the master of Birmingham plater and silversmith Samuel Colemore, the apprenticeship taking place around 1753. Joseph is recorded as a silver plater and by definition would have been at least 21 years old at the time.
Online searches have so far failed to produce any further information on this very early plating craftsman and I would be delighted to hear of any further referece to him.

Heamatite

A Joseph Fendall registered a mark at Birmingham Assay Office sometime between 1773 and 1801. This is a well cut of a type used on silver and steel, His master Samuel Colemore c 1739- 1805 did not enter a mark at Birmingham or at Sheffield for plated wares but is found on plated table and dessert blades and forks. Was Joseph a cutler, buckle maker or genral smith and has his mark been seen on any items?

Heamatite

Just to clarify the master-apprentice relationship here, Samuel Colemore was apprenticed to "Joseph Findall of Birmingham Silver plater" on 29th November 1753.

An additional apprenticeship involving Joseph Findall/Fendall is recorded on 1st October 1783: William Shaw to "Joseph Fendall of Birmingham Co Warwick, Jeweller".

Phil

Related topic:

Colmore's Patent Close Plating Method

Believe the name was Colmore.

Trev.

Many thanks for post concerning one of the apprentices of Joseph Fendall/ Findall.


The entry for the duty paid in 1753 clearly records Colemore. The marriage to Mary Hutton on the 28th October 1765 lists the groom as Samuel Colemore. Recorded surname variations may reflect the whim of the clerk but I imagine the man himself, as per his mark, thought he was a Colmore .

Heamatite

Just adding this in case in may be of use:

Died

At Camphill, Mr. Samuel Colmore, formerly an eminent plater of Birmingham, but who had retired from business.

Source: Monthly Magazine or British Register - 1st August 1805

Trev.

Dear Trev,
Many thanks for further thoughts on Samuel Colmore . His output and connections suggest he was one of one of the most significant figures in the development of solder plate with over 50 years in the trade. Why he failed to register a mark at Sheffield is unclear.

Heamatite