William Hutton & Sons
1800-C.1930
William Hutton & Sons was one of the most respected and widely recognised English silversmithing firms of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Based in Sheffield, a city long associated with metalwork, the firm began with William Hutton establishing his own business in 1800. What started as a modest operation grew steadily, eventually becoming known for high-quality silver and silver plate that appealed to both the middle and upper classes during the Victorian era.
By the time Hutton’s sons joined the company, it had expanded not just in size but in reputation. The firm became known for producing everything from elegant flatware and tableware to ornate presentation pieces and decorative objects. Their designs ranged from classic Georgian inspired styles to more ornate Victorian and Edwardian aesthetics mixed with extremely humorous and decorative novelty pieces. They also embraced new manufacturing techniques, helping make silver goods more accessible without sacrificing craftsmanship.
William Hutton and Sons Novelty Owl Decanter Previously Sold from our Collection at Jacksons Antique
After William’s death, the business was continued by his son William Carr Hutton and the name was changed to William Hutton & Son. The business continued with William Carr Hutton and his son Herbert Hutton in partnership and in 1863 they opened a showroom in London, two years later William Carr Hutton died. Circa 1870 Herbert’s older brothers James Edward Hutton and Robert Hutton joined the business and the name was changed again to William Hutton & Sons.
William Hutton & Sons registered multiple marks over the years and operated out of both Sheffield and later London after their humble beginnings in Birmingham. They acquired other firms including Rupert Favell & Co. and Creswick & Co., further expanding their reach and by the early 20th century, they were a major player in British silver manufacturing. They became William Hutton & Sons Ltd on 1893 and were able to use Creswick & Co’s crossed arrow marks in 1902 upon acquiring them. In 1930 William Hutton & Sons Ltd filed for bankruptcy and in the same year the firm was absorbed by silversmiths James Dixons & Sons.
Pair of Silver Fox Boot Pulls in their original case available at Jacksons Antique
Today, Hutton pieces are sought after by collectors for their solid quality, appealing design, and variety. Whether it’s a tableware, novelty silver or practical pieces, items bearing the hallmark for William Hutton & Sons are often sought after for their time during when British silversmithing was at its height.