Important Silversmiths – Hunt & Roskell
Antique 19th Century magnificent and unique pair of Victorian Solid Silver figural comports, each piece raised on a circular domed base chased and applied with swags and cast armorials, each stunning figural stems modelled like a large sculptural female figure, one holding a pickaxe, the other resting on a bundle and holding a scroll, the two figures are flanked by a scrolling handle suspending a bowl over their head. The two classical figures are both allegories celebrating human virtues, in this case most probably "LABOR" (work) and "VERITAS" (truth).
Reference Number: A3000
This prestigious firm of jewellers and silversmiths was originally founded by Paul Storr in 1819 when he left Rundell & Bridge to go in partnership with John Mortimer. John Samuel Hunt joined the company after his apprenticeship with Paul Storr and took his place after he retired in 1838, changing the name of the company to Mortimer and Hunt. In 1843 John Mortimer retired and the firm became finally Hunt and Roskell. At that time it counted three partners: John Samuel Hunt, his son and Robert Roskell Jr. (son of a watchmaker from Liverpool).
The firm was based in Bond Street, London and gained, presumably in the late 1840s, the Royal Warrant of Queen Victoria.
Antique 19th Century Victorian Solid Silver presentation soldier statues of the 43rd (Monmouthshire) Regiment of Foot. This Infantry regiment of the British Army, was raised as Thomas Fowke's Regiment of Foot in 1741 with its headquarters at Winchester, the two beautifully figures are realistically modelled to the last detail
REFERENCE NUMBER: A4387
19th Century Victorian silver & glass condiment set, comprising; a cruet stand, five sauce bottles and two silver lidded condiment jars, made in the 'Teniers' style, (a renowned Dutch painter), the base of the cruet stand decorated with rural scenes, standing on scroll feet mounted with peasants drinking, handles and mounts realistically modelled as tree branches. Hallmarked English silver (925 standard), London, year 1870 (p), Maker's mark IH&RR (John Hunt & Robert Roskell), stamped on the base, Hunt & Roskell late Storr & Mortimer 5723, engraved with a family crests and initials.
Reference Number: A5499
This item is eligible for the Pushkin’s Promise scheme.
Creating finely ornate centrepieces, tea sets, candelabra as well as impressive jewellery, they also received the appreciation of the Imperial Russian Court, that commissioned several pieces. Their silverware is often naturalistically modelled and exquisitely detailed, decorated with floral and vegetal motifs and scrolling patterns.
The firm exhibited at the Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in London in 1851 and subsequently in New York (1853) and Paris (1867) growing in popularity and prosperity not just in England but also abroad.
After the death of John Hunt and Robert Ruskell, their sons kept running the business.
The company became a Limited company and survived until the late 1960’s.