William Comyns (1858-1987)
William Comyns founded his company after completing his apprenticeship with George J. Richards in late 1858. He acquired the premises of Robert Tagg, a business established in 1730, located at 2 Carlisle Street, Soho, London, where he registered his first mark (W.C. in a four-tipped oval) in 1859. Comyns quickly built a reputable and high-quality business, later expanding to Beak Street, off Regent Street. In 1885, his two sons, Charles and Richard, joined the company, forming a partnership known as William Comyns & Sons. The sons significantly influenced the business, and by the late 1880s, the firm was known for retailing decorative silverware through prestigious retailers such as The Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company, Henry Lewis, Howell & James in London, and Tiffany & Co.
Sterling Silver Mirror by William Comyns available at Jacksons Antique
While primarily a silversmith, William Comyns gained acclaim for their silver and tortoiseshell work, often featuring intricate inlays and silver pique work. Their refined jewellery boxes, vanity sets, and clocks in Victorian and Art Nouveau styles became renowned for their elaborate designs, complex techniques, and high quality.
After William Comyns passed away in 1916, his sons faced challenges, particularly during World War I. In 1925, Charles died at a Christie’s auction, and in 1930, Richard led the firm as a limited liability company under the name William Comyns & Sons Ltd. The firm was acquired by Bernard Copping in 1953, but ownership changed several times until it was liquidated in 1987. Today, the Comyns name endures, and they remain one of the few silversmith manufacturers in London, operating from premises in WC2.