George Widdowson (1804-1872) was a renowned silversmith and goldsmith, though he chose the path of a retailer rather than a craftsman. By the age of 28, he had taken over his uncle John Salter’s successful shop on the Strand in London. Salter, a close friend of Lord Nelson’s daughter, Horatia, had supplied Nelson with various pieces of jewelry, including mourning rings, and was godfather to one of her children. Widdowson expanded the business, establishing Widdowson & Veale at No. 73 Strand, on the corner of Adam Street, opposite the Adelphi.
The firm became known for crafting swords and other weapons for the British Army and Navy, as well as producing orders and decorations for the British court and serving as goldsmiths and jewelers to the court of Spain. In 1842, Widdowson seized another opportunity for visibility by presenting an elaborate silver coronet supporting the Prince of Wales’ feathers as a christening gift for Queen Victoria’s eldest son, later King Edward VII. The company also served HRH, the Duke of Sussex, and maintained ties with the Spanish court.
The firm became known for crafting swords and other weapons for the British Army and Navy, as well as producing orders and decorations for the British court and serving as goldsmiths and jewelers to the court of Spain. In 1842, Widdowson seized another opportunity for visibility by presenting an elaborate silver coronet supporting the Prince of Wales’ feathers as a christening gift for Queen Victoria’s eldest son, later King Edward VII. The company also served HRH, the Duke of Sussex, and maintained ties with the Spanish court.
Old London silver, its history, its makers and its marks (1903) gives incorrect years of firm activity.
It is known that in 1851 at the Crystal Palace Great Exhibition Widdowson & Veale exhibited (at their own expense) an enormous silver "plateau" with candelabra, dessert stands, dishes, flagons, jugs, coffee pots, teapots, jewelry and an equestrian statue of Wellington. Silver meat dish made by E. & J. Barnard in 1853 that bears retailer's mark "Widdowson & Veale, Strand" is also known. So the firm's activity continued at least through the 1850s.
George Widdowson died on 10 December 1872 aged 68.
Silver. gold, enamel.
Size 72 mm.
"Tria Juncta in Uno/Three joined in one."
Backplate inscribed "Widdowson & Veale, Goldsmiths, 73 Strand, London" and marked with maker’s mark "WN" for William Neale /supplier of the Widdowson & Veale/.
Original case.