Some of the rarest and most collectable silver ornaments and silverware were made in the 1600s through to the mid-1700s. We have picked one silversmith from this time period who stands head and shoulders above the rest, and if you come across a piece of silver with their hallmark – BUY IT!
Antique silver items are worth much more than their actual silver content and weight. The maker’s skill and rarity can add tremendous value to an antique piece of silverware. Pieces dating from the 1600s and 1700s are some of the most sought after.
Harache Silversmiths & Goldsmiths London
Persecuted for their Huguenot faith by the French Catholic Government in the 1600s. Huguenots were French protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries who followed the teachings of theologian John Calvin. The Harache family escaped France and fled to London, England where they became one of the leading and most recognised Silversmiths and Goldsmiths for a century.
Pierre Harache I
The very first Huguenot to be admitted to the Goldsmiths Company in 1682 was Pierre Harache I. Gaining his freedom from the Goldsmiths Company allowed Pierre Harache I to register his family mark on the mark plate. Silver/gold made by Pierre Harache I is very very rare to come across and there has been some confusion about his marks.
Pierre Harache II
Pierre harache II is believed to be either the son or grandson of Pierre Harache I. Pierre harache II produced quality silver and gold objects in the early 1700s and items do come up for sale with the PH mark.
Harache Family Hallmarks
Here are some Harache Silversmith hallmarks to look out for:
Noteworthy Silversmiths Of 17th, 18th and Eary 19th Centuries
Other noteworthy silversmiths around a similar date that both buyers and collectors love and pay handsomely for are listed below.
Late 17th & Early 18th Century
The silversmith Paul de Lamerie is one of the most renowned silversmiths of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. His active work between 9 April 1688 – 1 August 1751 is very collectable and buyers fall over themselves to get a piece of silverware made by Paul de Lamerie.
Paul de Lamerie Silver Halmmarks
18th Century
Heather Bateman was a famous female silversmith producing work between 1708 and 1794. Bateman produced high-quality flatware and ornamental silverware that was highly sought after because of its quality and craftsmanship.
Heather Bateman Silver Hallmarks
Late 18th & Early 19th Centuries
Paul Storr Silversmith 1784–1838
Highly collectable and rare antique silver made by Paul Storr in the Neoclassical design is seriously collectable. He was a profound silversmith making not only general silverware but created some of the most ornate silver sculptures and objects de art.
Paul Storr Silver Hallmarks
