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Here at AC Silver, we have a special relationship with Newcastle silver, being based in Newcastle upon Tyne ourselves.
The city of Newcastle was a prolific producer of silver and gold pieces during the Georgian era, due in no small part to the wealth of the city, which resulted from the ship building industry and the mercantile industry which the city was famed for.
One of the earliest records of the existence of goldsmiths and silversmiths in Newcastle Upon Tyne dates from the 13th century when appointments were made to the post of assayers of money at the Newcastle mint, recorded in 1249.
Our collection of Newcastle silver includes some of the most famous Newcastle Silversmiths, such as Thomas Makepeace, Isaac Cookson, John Langlands and many more important makers.
All of our pieces of Newcastle silver are in presentation condition and are the finest examples of their type which we have found. These pieces make ideal gifts, and can be used practically or for display purposes.
The provincial assay office at Newcastle was established in 1702. Local goldsmiths and silversmiths had to register their private marks with the office and all items of silver had to be assayed and marked with the three castles of the town arms and other marks prescribed by the Britannia Silver Standard Act, or the later Wrought Plate Act of 1719.
In 1784 an act was passed reintroducing a direct tax on plate. This required an additional mark, the sovereign's head, had to be stamped on each piece to indicate that duty had been paid.
Due to internal wranglings, and a steady decline in the production of silver pieces, the assay office at Newcastle was closed in 1884, and items due to be assayed were sent to London, Sheffield or Birmingham.
See information page on popular Newcastle goldsmiths and silversmiths for further information on the makers from the area.
In the 14th century five Newcastle goldsmiths/silversmiths combined with local pewterers, plumbers, glaziers and painters to form a craft guild, receiving their company charter in 1536.