Among the great names in British silver, Barker Bros holds a special place.
Established in Birmingham in 1801, the firm grew from a small workshop into one of the most important silversmithing companies of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Over time, Barker Bros became known for both sterling and silverplate, producing a wide range of items, from elegant trays and tea services to candelabras and Art Deco barware.
Although the company no longer operates, its pieces remain highly collectible due to their exceptional craftsmanship, distinctive style, and ties to Birmingham’s rich silversmithing tradition.
In this week’s blog, we explore the origins of Barker Bros Silver, its transformation to Barker Ellis, and why collectors still prize it today.
Origins of Barker Bros Silver
Barker Bros silver was founded in Birmingham, a city that became a powerhouse of industrial and artistic production during the 19th century.
Located in the city’s famed Jewellery Quarter, Barker Bros silver began as a family business and steadily expanded as demand for well-made silver and silverplate grew. Birmingham was sometimes called “the toyshop of the world,” and Barker Bros contributed to that reputation by creating silver that was both practical and beautiful.
By the mid-1800s, Barker Bros had built a strong reputation in Britain and abroad. Their silverplate, in particular, found its way across the British Empire and into North America, making the firm a household name among middle-class families who wanted the look of sterling without the cost.
The Evolution into Barker Ellis
In the early 20th century, the company began operating under the name Barker Ellis Silver Co.
The rebranding reflected its expansion into international markets and its increasingly broad range of products. In 1912, the company registered its most recognisable symbol: the candelabra trademark. That mark quickly became synonymous with Barker Ellis silverplate and remains one of the easiest ways for collectors to identify authentic pieces today.
The firm continued to produce into the late 20th century, adapting to changing tastes with Edwardian, Art Deco, and postwar modernist styles.
However, like many traditional silversmiths, Barker Ellis struggled to compete with mass production and changing lifestyles in the late 1900s. By the early 2000s, the company had ceased operations, leaving behind a legacy that now lives on through its surviving pieces.
What Collectors Look For
Barker Bros Silver is admired for its variety as well as its quality. Popular pieces include:
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Tea and coffee services with finely balanced proportions and graceful detailing.
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Trays and salvers, often large and richly decorated, are suitable for both display and entertaining.
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Candlesticks and candelabra, the company’s most iconic designs.
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Art Deco barware, including trays, cocktail shakers, and ice buckets that reflected the glamour of the Jazz Age.
The Jazz Age Connection
One of the most fascinating aspects of Barker Ellis history is how the company embraced Art Deco during the 1920s and 30s. Its silver cocktail shakers and trays were perfectly suited to the era’s fascination with jazz clubs, speakeasies, and cocktail culture.
Today, these Deco-era pieces are highly prized by collectors who want not only fine silver but also a touch of vintage glamour.
How to Identify Barker Bros Silver
For collectors, identifying genuine Barker Bros or Barker Ellis silver is part of the appeal. Look for:
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Maker’s marks – often stamped with “Barker Bros” or later “Barker Ellis.”
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The candelabra symbol – first registered in 1912 and widely used on silverplate.
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Birmingham hallmarks – sterling pieces carry the city’s assay marks and date letters that pinpoint their year of production.
Why Barker Bros Silver Endures
What makes Barker Bros/Barker Ellis so appealing today is its combination of accessibility and prestige. Silverplate pieces offer an affordable entry point for new collectors, while sterling examples highlight the artistry of Birmingham’s best silversmiths. For seasoned buyers, the brand carries cultural and historical weight — from the Industrial Revolution to the Roaring Twenties.
Discover Barker Bros Silver at Around the Block
At Around the Block, we frequently feature sterling silver from top British makers, including Barker Bros Silver, Goldsmiths & Silversmiths, Mappin & Webb, and more. Whether you are drawn to a classic tray, a graceful tea service, or a Jazz Age cocktail shaker, these pieces remain as functional as they are collectible — timeless reminders of Britain’s silversmithing heritage.
