Orders of the Crown of Thailand made by J.W. Benson

J.W. Benson was one of the most respected watch makers in London during the second half of the 19th Century. The business was originally set up by brothers James William Benson and Samuel Suckley Benson who advertised themselves as watchmakers, gold and silversmiths of Cornhill in the City of London. As well as manufacturing their own watches and jewellery, they were also importers and retailers dealing in fine diamonds, gold and silver ware. After just eight years the partnership was dissolved in 1855 and J.W. Benson carried on alone. He took on additional premises at 33 Ludgate Hill and as the business grew, he added no. 34 next door. By the 1860’s he was advertising his large and richly stocked shop with adjoining workshop specialising not only in the manufacture of watches and clocks but also in their repair. He began to participate in both national and international expositions including London in 1862, Paris in 1867 and the Inventions Exhibition of 1885 at which he unveiled the "Patent Dust and Damp Excluding Band for Watches".

In 1872 a shop was opened on Bond Street which was followed by one in the Royal Exchange in 1890 as well as a new steam powered factory in La Belle Sauvage Yard, close to the premises in Ludgate Hill. In 1878 J.W. Benson died leaving his sons Alfred and Arthur to continue the business. The following year they were awarded a Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria to which they would add those of the Prince of Wales and the Kings of Siam and Denmark. Whilst best known for their timepieces, the firm also sold jewellery and awards and by the 1880s were incorporating platinum into their gold and diamond set jewels.

In 1889 the company took over the firm of Hunt & Roskell and continued successfully until WWII when their factory was bombed and they ceased manufacturing. However they continued as retailers for many years, with adverts from the late 1950s showing beautiful selections of diamond and gem-set rings for sale at the Bond Street store. They were eventually bought out by Mappin & Webb in the 1980s.
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Breast star.

Silver, gilt, enamel.
Size 70 mm.

Engraved

"J. W. Benson Ltd 25, Old Bond Street, London W".

 

1st class set made by J.W. Benson.

Silver, gilt, enamel.
Size 73.76 x 48.22 mm.

Sash.

Silver, gilt, enamel.
Size 70.89 x 70.20 mm.

Engraving.

 

3rd class badge.

Silver, gilt, enamel.
Size 74 x 48 mm.

 

3rd class badge made by J.W. Benson that was awarded to the Belgian liberal politician and mayor Alphonse Hubert Pieters (Ostend , May 29 , 1845 – Brussels, May 30, 1912).

Pieters was a son of the brewer François Pieters and Monique Rickx. He also became beer brewer by profession. Municipal councilor of Ostend in 1885. He became alderman (1888–1891) and mayor (1892–1912) of Ostend. Pieters was also a liberal representative for the Ostend district and fulfilled the mandate until 1894.​

Note that he is also wearing 4th class Japanese order of the Rising Sun and 3rd class Persian order of the Lion and Sun.

List of his awards.

 

2nd class Order of the Crown of Thailand Brigadier General Philippe Roger Gombaud de Séréville

Beautiful set of 1st type made by J.W. Benson https://asiamedals.info/threads/orders-of-the-crown-of-thailand-made-by-j-w-benson.28040/ Neck badge. Silver, gilt, enamel. Diameter 48 mm, surmounted by a flower with three vermeil leaves (width 32 mm, height 26 mm). Engraved J .W. Benson...

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