Martin Hall & Co. (England) silversmiths

Martin Hall & Co. was a British silversmiths firm that was established in Sheffield in1820 by Henry Wilkinson and John Roberts, trading as Wilkinson & Roberts. Wilkinson left in 1846 and Roberts went into partnership with his former apprentice, Ebenezer Hall and became Roberts & Hall. Richard Martin and Joshua Hall (brother of Ebenezer) joined the partnership in 1854 and the firm became Martin, Hall & Co, converting to a limited company in 1866. In 1846, William Hall retired, and the company was renamed Martin, Hall & Co. after Richard Martin, a prominent businessman and silversmith who had joined the firm.

Under Martin's leadership, the company expanded rapidly and became one of the leading silversmiths in England. With a factory in Sheffield, they opened showrooms in London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Sydney. Martin, Hall & Co. was renowned for its high-quality silverware, which was often decorated with intricate designs more... and patterns. The company also introduced new production techniques and technologies, such as electroplating, which revolutionized the silverware industry in the mid-19th century.

In addition to producing silverware, Martin, Hall & Co. also manufactured other metal items such as tea trays and candlesticks. The company was awarded several royal warrants, including one from Queen Victoria, which helped to establish its reputation as a premier silversmiths firm.

They exhibited at the Great Exhibition in 1851, the International Exhibition in 1862, the Sydney Exhibition in 1879, the Melbourne Exhibition in 1881 and the British Industries Fair in 1915.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Martin, Hall & Co. continued to expand and acquire other silversmiths firms, including Barker Brothers and James Dixon & Sons. The company also diversified its production, adding items such as cut glass, pottery, and stainless steel to its product line.

Martin, Hall & Co. continued to operate until 1933 when it was delisted. less...