Among the great names in British silver, the Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. holds a special place.
Founded in London in 1880, the firm quickly rose to prominence for its artistry and impeccable standards, producing everything from sterling flatware and tea services to presentation pieces worthy of royalty.
Though it merged with Garrard, the Crown Jewellers, in 1952, the company’s name still carries weight today. Its silver, jewellery, and even finely crafted clocks remain highly collectible and admired around the world.
In this week’s blog, we look back at the history of the Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co., its most popular collectibles, how to authenticate genuine pieces, and why its creations continue to be so valuable to collectors.
History of Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co.
Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. was founded by two very different men: William Gibson, a skilled silversmith, and John Lawrence Langman, the son of a wealthy merchant family.
Gibson brought the technical know-how, while Langman supplied the capital and social influence to establish a firm capable of rivaling London’s best.
Together, they not only built a thriving business but also left a legacy of philanthropy, with Langman funding hospitals and schools across Britain.
Their ambition was clear from the start. The grand showroom at 112 Regent Street became one of the city’s luxury landmarks, drawing customers eager to commission ornate trophies, purchase complete flatware services, or browse jewellery, watches, and Regent Plate silver — a silver-plated line that offered elegance at a more accessible price point.
Recognition soon followed. By the mid-1880s, the firm had earned Royal Warrants, marking it as an official supplier to the British Crown. Its silver was present at coronations, weddings, and state ceremonies, securing its place in British public life.
Over the decades, the company adapted gracefully to changing tastes, producing Edwardian designs full of refinement, bold Art Deco silver in the interwar years, and clocks and watches that reflected the same commitment to craftsmanship.
When the business merged with Garrard & Co. in 1952, the Goldsmiths & Silversmiths name was retired — but the quality and style of its work ensured that its reputation would endure.
Popular Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Collectibles
Because the firm produced such a wide range, collectors can find treasures across many categories. Some of the most sought-after pieces include:
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Sterling flatware services in original cases
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Ornate tea and coffee sets, often with trays
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Presentation trophies and commemorative cups, many tied to regiments or civic events
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Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company clocks and watches, admired for their precision and style
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Regent Plate silver, a more affordable yet still collectible line
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Art Deco silver, instantly recognisable for its bold, geometric designs
Each of these pieces reflects the company’s ability to balance tradition with innovation, which is part of what makes its work remain so appealing today.
Authenticating Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Silver
Authenticity is everything in collecting. Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company hallmarks typically read 'G&S Co. Ltd', accompanied by British assay marks that confirm silver purity, date, and place of assay.
These details not only guarantee authenticity but also help pinpoint whether a piece belongs to the Victorian, Edwardian, or Art Deco periods.
Regent Plate items carry different stampings, allowing collectors to distinguish silver-plated from sterling examples. Spotting these marks is the first step in confirming you’ve found a genuine piece of the company’s history. Knowing what to look for in these hallmarks is often the first step toward building a confident collection.
Is Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Silver Valuable?
Understanding value is the natural next step once a piece has been identified. Condition, rarity, and provenance all play a role. A full sterling flatware service in pristine order will typically command strong prices, while a presentation cup linked to a regiment or civic event might fetch even more thanks to its historical associations. Art Deco silver, with its striking lines, and the company’s clocks and watches also draw considerable interest at auction houses and luxury consignment stores. The continued presence of these pieces at Christie’s and Bonhams confirms their enduring prestige.
Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. at Around the Block
A piece by the Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. is more than just silverware. It embodies a chapter of British history, tied to Regent Street’s grandeur, the prestige of royal commissions, and a tradition of craftsmanship that still resonates with collectors today.
At Around the Block, we are proud to showcase the works of the Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. alongside other renowned silversmiths such as Birks, Birks Ellis Ryrie, Barker Bros. Silver Ltd., Christofle, Gorham, Georg Jensen, Mappin & Webb, Puiforcat, David Andersen, Ercuis, and Arthur Price. Drop by our store to view our complete collection of luxury silver, or visit us online to explore a curated selection of fine silver tableware and decor.
