Joseph Willmore
Born in 1773, Joseph Willmore was the grandson of Thomas Willmore, an original member of the Birmingham Assay Office established 1773. Thomas’ first mark used 1773-1801 in partnership with James Alston, though working independently. Willmore was a buckle maker, Alston a button maker.
Joseph registered his mark in 1806 at the Birmingham Assay Office as a snuff-box maker, for which he is highly regarded, especially for his snuff boxes with repoussé or ‘castle-top’ lids. He later also registered at the London Assay Office in 1814-15, opening a showroom in Bouverie Street.
Joseph took on his grandfather’s business on his death in 1816, and expanded the variety of silver wares. For example, at the Birmingham Assay Office, he registered as a maker of knife and fork handles in 1831, and a maker of silver-gilt knives, forks and spoons in 1832. He continued to register makers marks until 1843, and died in 1855. His apprentice George Unite became a renowned silversmith in his own right.
Joseph Willmore
Born in 1773, Joseph Willmore was the grandson of Thomas Willmore, an original member of the Birmingham Assay Office established 1773. Thomas’ first mark used 1773-1801 in partnership with James Alston, though working independently. Willmore was a buckle maker, Alston a button maker.
Joseph registered his mark in 1806 at the Birmingham Assay Office as a snuff-box maker, for which he is highly regarded, especially for his snuff boxes with repoussé or ‘castle-top’ lids. He later also registered at the London Assay Office in 1814-15, opening a showroom in Bouverie Street.
Joseph took on his grandfather’s business on his death in 1816, and expanded the variety of silver wares. For example, at the Birmingham Assay Office, he registered as a maker of knife and fork handles in 1831, and a maker of silver-gilt knives, forks and spoons in 1832. He continued to register makers marks until 1843, and died in 1855. His apprentice George Unite became a renowned silversmith in his own right.
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1822
Joseph Willmore
8249 Antique Silver Caddy Spoon
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A pretty little Victorian sterling silver caddy spoon with a shell shaped bowl and shaped shell handle. With a very pretty embossed flower design to the bowl. Weight 11 grams. Length 7.7 cms. Width 4.2 cms. Birmingham 1822. Maker Joseph Willmore.
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1842
Joseph Willmore
8381 Antique Silver Vinaigrette
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An excellent quality antique sterling silver vinaigrette with a gilt finish. The cast cathedral top has a deep relief representation of York Minster. The reverse side has a crisp engine turned finish with a central cartouche (uninscribed). The interior is finely gilded and the grill is pierced and engraved with pluming scrolls, flowers and leaves. Weight 41 grams, 1.3 troy ounce. Height 1.2 cms. Length 4.5 cms. Width 3.2 cms. Birmingham 1842. Maker Joseph Willmore.
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Circa 1840
Joseph Willmore
7086 Antique Silver Baby Rattle
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A delightful antique sterling silver child’s rattle complete with a whistle and real pink coral teether. There are 10 silver bells attached. The embossed decoration is very pretty with flowers and scrolls.Weight 60 grams, 2 troy ounces. Length 14 cms. Makers mark only for Joseph Willmore. Circa 1840.
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1810
Joseph Willmore
7956 Georgian Silver Bosuns Whistle
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Of nautical interest. A large size antique silver whistle with traditional curved design, scrolled wire work detail and engraved basket weave design. Complete with suspension ring. Weight 21 grams. Length 13 cms. Birmingham 1810. Maker Joseph Willmore.
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1819
Joseph Willmore
9483 Georgian Silver Wine Label
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An unusual antique sterling silver bottle ticket with a silver chain. Cast in the form of the letter “S” the label has leaf and face mask decoration. Weight 5 grams. Measures 2.5 x 1.9cm. Birmingham 1819. Maker Joseph Wilmore.
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1830
Joseph Willmore
9580 Antique Silver Chamberstick
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A small antique sterling silver chamberstick or taperstick in the form of a leaf with a raised flower head. Small size. Weight 44 grams, 1.4 troy ounces. Height 4.4 cm. Length 9.5 cm. Birmingham 1830. Maker Joseph Willmore.
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