Joseph Cook & Son English Manufacturing Jewellers

The first image shows Hibernian Works.

The firm known as Joseph Cook & Son was located in the heart of the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter at Hibernian Works, 91 Livery Street, Birmingham, England. 

They may also have employed other gold & silversmiths elsewhere in the Kingdom. 

This would explain some pieces we have seen that were assayed at Chester.

The main doorway to this premises is shown just behind the lovely old lamp post with a circular 20  speed limit sign attached. 

This Gothic building adjoins the equally Gothic – Vaughton Gothic Works, which was the business premises of ‘Vaughtons Ltd’ who was listed as ‘the business of a Silversmith, Goldsmith and General Manufacture.’

Joseph Cook & Son were manufacturing jewellers.

Their business operated from c.1890 to 1939.

They crafted fully hallmarked gold jewellery and a wide array of sterling silver objects including pendants, brooches, bookmarks and cases.

They are particularly well known for silver pieces embellished with agate inlays.

The firm used the maker’s mark J. C & S.

This mark was registered in January 1889 and used until 1939.

There is very little information about this maker.

It is good to see that 91 Livery Street is still standing.

The city of Birmingham suffered from heavy bombing by the German Luftwaffe which began on August 9 1940. Birmingham was the third most bombed English city in WWII. 

The Luftwaffe would continue to blitz Birmingham until April 23 1943. 

ANTIQUE FULLY HALLMARKED GOLD LOCKET

This deep bodied and ornately embellished antique locket is dainty and elegant.

This keepsake locket is fully hallmarked gold. 

The 9ct gold locket was crafted by Joseph Cook & Son in 1914.

This piece was assayed* (tested for gold purity*) at Chester Assay Office in 1914. 

The anterior surface of this heart locket is graced with a shield shaped cartouche.

Acanthus and ivy leaves frame the shield and also the posterior surface.

The shield cartouche conveys the desire to protect the wearer of the locket.

Acanthus leaves symbolise the desire for longevity.

Ivy leaves convey the desire for everlasting love, deep friendship and fidelity. 

An original frame is present along with a clear portrait protector. 

The belcher chain necklace measures 18 inches long.

This beautiful antique is ideal for everyday wear.

ERA:

George V (1914).

MEASUREMENTS:

Locket Height 1.7 cm 

Necklace Length 18 Inches.  

MATERIALS: 

Locket 9 Carat Gold.

Necklace 9 Carat Gold.

HALLMARKS:

Locket Fully Hallmarked Chester Assayed 9 Carat Gold.

Necklace stamped .375 Denoting 9 Carat Gold.

HALLMARKS ON THIS ANTIQUE

This antique was officially assayed* (tested for gold purity*) in 1914 at Chester Assay Office, which was established by Act of Parliament.  The hallmarks shown above are explained below. 

Top  – J. C & S (Joseph Cook & Sons)

Bottom Left  – three wheatsheaves and a sword in a shield denoting Chester Assay Office.

 Bottom Middle – 9 denoting a minimum millesimal fineness of 9 carat gold

 Bottom Middle  – .375 – 9 carat gold decimal value of .375 

Right – date letter ornate o (1914)

Browse fully hallmarked sold gold antique lockets.

Please note that although we spend many hours each month updating or compiling new work for our historical blog section which is free to view, we do not offer an appraisal, identification, valuation or dating service to members of the public.

We do not purchase stock from private sellers. 

However, each purchase from our store is shipped with a lavishly illustrated history which dates the item and details the history of the item and that of the maker.

Sources: 

silvermakersmarks.co.uk

Chester Assay Office