James Usher and Son Lincoln Imp Demitasse Spoons set of 6 - 100+ years old

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James Usher and Son Lincoln Imp Demitasse Spoons set of 6 - 100+ years old:
$225.00

A lovely set of 6 solid sterling silver Lincoln Demitasse Imp spoons. The handles are a twisted design topped by the Imp associated with the city of Lincoln sold by Silversmith James Usher and Son.

Hallmarks: The spoons are English sterling silver hallmarked for Birmingham 1900 (Anchor, Lion Passant, Date letter E - used in 1900 - Date letters changed every 20 years)

The maker\'s Mark \'W . A\' refers to the silversmith William Aitken.

Dimensions: It is 4.5\" long and weighs 7.8g.

Condition: The spoons are in great used condition, with no dings, splits or repairs. Original case does show wear - but to be expected for an item over 100 years old.

Historical Information:

James Ward Usher was born in Lincoln on the 1st January 1845. He was the eldest son of James Usher who opened a jewelers and watchmakers business in Lincoln High Street in 1837.

James Ward Usher joined his father in 1860 after leaving school and the business was renamed ‘Usher and Son’. James Ward Usher took over the business in 1874. He had a passion for collecting and built up a collection of ceramics, clocks and watches, coins, silver, enamels and miniatures.

Apart from being an avid collector James Ward Usher was also an astute businessman. The business and his collection grew as he constantly added to it.He wasthe main supplier of trophies in the area and for a period of time he obtained the sole rights to use the Lincoln Imp, a figure from Lincoln Cathedral, and sell Lincoln Imp jewellery. He used the imp figure on pins, brooches, spoons and cuff-links. Some of the jewellery, such as the Lincoln Imp brooch, was set with precious stones and can be seen on display in the Usher Gallery.

The Lincoln Imp jewellery not only brought him success with regard to his business but fame too. For example letters would be addressed ‘To the silversmith who makes and sells the Lincoln Imp’. Many would reach him with references to the imp and one letter even reached his shop with just the word Lincoln and a drawing of the Lincoln Imp on the envelope.

Shipping to the UK - Price quoted from USPS International Services at $42