Victorian Silver Toast Rack


Date: 1845

Maker: Joseph Angell

Country: England

Stock: 9814

Description

A well modelled antique silver toastrack of classic design with a shaped handle and face mask decorated feet. Good size and weight. 6 slices.

Weight 275 grams, 8.8 troy ounces.
Height 15cm. Length 17cm. Width 11.2cm.
London 1845.
Maker Joseph Angell.
Sterling silver.

Marks. Stamped at one end with a full set of English silver hallmarks.

Literature. Toast racks are not known until the late 18th century. Prior to this toast must have been served on a dish or maybe wrapped in a napkin. Some of the earliest designs have oval or oblong tray bases.

Biography

Joseph Angell

Originally a firm of manufacturing silversmiths, the Angell family business became one of the largest and most important silver and jewellery manufacturers and retailers in London in the mid 19th century. They participated in many major exhibitions worldwide and won many awards of excellence.
The founder, Joseph Angell, was apprenticed to Henry Nutting 1796, free 1804. First mark entered as plateworker 1811, second marks 1824. Third in partnership with his brother John Angell (apprenticed to William Elliott 1799, free 1807) in 1831. In circa 1837 Joseph’s son Joseph joined the business which became Angell, Son & Angell. In 1840 John Angell left and Joseph Angell senior and junior continued with a new mark (JA over JA). Joseph junior continued in his own name after his father’s retirement in 1848, participating in many major exhibitions and winning many awards of excellence, particularly for his enamel work. 1867-76 he was in partnership with John Browne after which he traded as Angell & Co. John Angell’s son, John Charles Angell was apprenticed to his father 1825, free 1832. He entered his first mark together with his brother George in 1840. George continued the business after John’s death in 1850 as George Angell & Co (1852-1860). George died in 1884 when the firm was taken over by Frederick Courthope who continued to trade under the same name until 1889.

Condition

The toast rack is in very good condition.

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