Edwardian Silver & Tortoiseshell Menu Holders by William Comyns

Description

This elegant set of four Edwardian silver and tortoiseshell menu holders by William Comyns dates to 1913 and retains its original fitted retailer’s presentation box from Wilson & Gill of Regent Street, London. Circular in form, each menu holder is mounted in sterling silver and decorated with finely inlaid silver pique work depicting a rabbit leaping through grasses and flowering plants, a charming naturalistic scene executed with delicate engraved detail.

Designed for use at formal dining tables, each holder incorporates a rear slot for supporting menu cards or place cards during dinner service. The rich tortoiseshell panels contrast beautifully against the polished silver mounts, reflecting the refined decorative taste associated with luxury Edwardian table accessories and entertaining pieces during the early twentieth century.

The underside of each example carries the retailer’s mark for Wilson & Gill, 139 Regent Street, London, together with the retailer’s reference number A5435. Wilson & Gill were one of London’s leading luxury retailers specialising in fine silver, dressing table accessories and presentation wares during the late Victorian and Edwardian period.

The set remains complete with the original fitted case lined in deep red velvet and cream silk, the interior lid printed with the retailer’s details “Wilson & Gill The Goldsmiths, 139 Regent Street London W.” The silver mounts are fully hallmarked for William Comyns, London, with the date letter “s” for 1913.

A particularly attractive and complete Edwardian dining set combining silver pique work, tortoiseshell and original presentation case by one of London’s best known silversmithing firms of the period.

View the full Accessories collection.

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Measurements

Menu holder – 4.5cm High x 4.5cm Wide x 4cm Deep (1.77 x 1.77 x 1.57 Inches)

Box – 7.5cm High x 25cm Wide x 8cm Deep (2.95 x 9.84 x 3.15 Inches)

Who was William Comyns? 

William Comyns was a London manufacturing silversmith whose firm operated from the mid nineteenth century through into the twentieth century. Established in 1858 following the acquisition of the Soho workshop of Robert Tagg, the business expanded steadily through a succession of London premises including Beak Street and Marshall Street as production increased during the Victorian period.

By the late nineteenth century the firm traded as William Comyns & Son after William Comyns’ sons joined the business. The company became well known for producing decorative silver retailed through leading London firms including Howell & James and Henry Lewis. Their work included a broad range of ornamental and practical silverwares recognised for consistent quality, fine finish and traditional craftsmanship.

Following incorporation in 1930 as William Comyns & Sons Ltd, the firm continued operating under later ownership and remains one of the few historic London manufacturing silversmiths still trading today.

For more information see our Makers and Retailers profile on William Comyns.

Who were Wilson and Gill?

Wilson & Gill were London goldsmiths and silversmiths established in 1892 by Samuel Wilson and Robert Valentine Gill. Trading from Regent Street, London, the firm specialised in jewellery, silverwares, clocks and luxury decorative objects supplied by leading British makers and manufacturers during the late Victorian and Edwardian period.

By the early twentieth century Wilson & Gill had expanded to larger Regent Street premises and became well known for retailing high quality silver tablewares, dressing table accessories and presentation pieces. During the interwar years the firm also became associated with innovative luxury accessories and distinctive Art Deco designs including cocktail shakers and patented lighters.

Wilson & Gill maintained a long standing presence on Regent Street and continued trading throughout both World Wars, remaining one of London’s recognised luxury jewellers and silversmith retailers well into the late twentieth century.

For more information see our Makers and Retailers profile on Wilson and Gill.

What is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver refers to the alloy of metal containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper or zinc. Sterling Silver objects are stamped with the 925 mark to confirm their authenticity.

View the full Silver Collection.

Why Buy from Mark Goodger Antiques?

With over thirty five years of specialist experience, Mark Goodger Antiques is recognised internationally as a leading authority in antique boxes and related works of art. Every item offered has been personally selected by Mark, whose knowledge and judgement are trusted by collectors, institutions, museums, interior designers, and fellow dealers worldwide.

Every purchase is supplied with a full supporting package for clarity and reassurance. This includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a detailed condition and care guide specific to your item, our most recent catalogue, and a separate invoice suitable for insurance and valuation purposes. Each piece is carefully examined prior to sale to ensure accuracy of description and quality.

Your purchase is fully insured during transit and protected by our straightforward money back guarantee, allowing you to buy with complete confidence. We pride ourselves on transparency, expertise, and long term relationships with our clients, many of whom return to us repeatedly over decades.

When you buy from Mark Goodger Antiques, you are purchasing from a specialist family business built on knowledge, trust, and an unrivalled focus on antique boxes.

Additional information

Country	England, United Kingdom
Medium	Sterling Silver, Tortoiseshell
Period	20th Century
Year	1913
SKU	501904CEX