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In this Forum we discuss the silver of the United Kingdom, as well as British Colonial silver and Old Sheffield Plate. Past British - Irish Sterling topics/threads worth a look. |
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In this Forum we discuss the silver of the United Kingdom, as well as British Colonial silver and Old Sheffield Plate. Past British - Irish Sterling topics/threads worth a look. |
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 SMP Silver Salon Forums
 British / Irish Sterling
 newbie needs advice
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cazza Posts: 4 |
posted 10-29-2004 04:50 PM
  
Hi everyone, Looking for information about Thomas Dibdin, silversmith of Southampton c1720-1760. Cazza [This message has been edited by cazza (edited 11-03-2004).] IP: Logged |
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Clive E Taylor Posts: 450 |
posted 11-04-2004 02:14 PM
I have briefly looked at Southampton in Jackson and in the London Register for Provincial makers in Grimwade and can find no mention of Thomas Dibdin. Can you tell us where you found the name from, and any silver article bearing his mark please. It is possible that the name came from a trade register, although date is very early for these , and that he was purely a retailer and never had a mark entered. Rgeards IP: Logged |
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cazza Posts: 4 |
posted 11-05-2004 07:28 PM
Thanks for your reply. His son was the famous 18th century dramatist, Charles Dibdin, who states in his autobiography that his father was a silversmith and that in 1757 a wealthy local commissioned from him 'a handsome service of plate.' The archivist at Southampton City Archives can't find anything for him in the trades listings, and I can't anything in other records either. I've spoken to the archivist/librarian at Goldsmith's Hall, but haven't heard back from her yet. All I know for certain is that he lived in Southampton from 1722-1759, was a parish clerk there and a freeholder - that's from my research. I have my doubts that he was a silversmith - lots of skeletons in the family closet etc. so perhaps Charles bumped him up to silversmith, when in reality he was never actually apprenticed - perhaps he just had connections with the trade. Would he have had to have his own mark - and have it registered? I'm assuming that, other than London, the nearest assay office was either Exeter or Britol? I've been trying to find out about provincial silversmiths and sort of articles they were more likely to make, as I understand most people who could afford to went to London for their silverware, but I can't seem to find much info. Thanks for looking for me, it's very much appreciated - I'm just sorry I have so little info to go on. Cazza IP: Logged |
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cazza Posts: 4 |
posted 11-05-2004 07:40 PM
Clive - I'm inclined to think you are right about him being a retailer. The last references I can find for him are in 1759 when he was cited to appear before the bishop's court at Winchester for neglecting his duties as parish clerk, then he disappears - no burial etc. However, a few weeks later a Thomas Dibdin, hosier of Southampton was declared bankrupt. I thought it was him, and now it makes more sense if he only retailed in silverware at some point. Trade was dire in Southampton then so maybe he found that silverware didn't sell too well and went on to hosiery as something everyone needed. Just thinking aloud - so to speak! Thanks again, and if you do find anything then I'll be really glad to hear about it. IP: Logged |
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Silver Lyon Posts: 363 |
posted 11-08-2004 11:05 AM
Will have to work out the occupation of Thomas Dibden and post it when I have something positive (if you still need it - if not please say so!) He was born in Winchester in 1703 died in Southampton 1759. (He may well have died in the debtor's gaol if you other information is correct and it is indeed the same man!!) He had at least two wives (hence the large number of children). A 'handsome service of plate' whould have been ordered from London, the shopkeeper (not necessesarily a working silversmith) acting as a middle-man. Easier and cheaper for everyone!! Many of the provincial makers who were not in one of the towns with assay offices used their maker's marks as a form of guarantee for their customers, so felt mo need to register them elsewhere. Hope this helps. IP: Logged |
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cazza Posts: 4 |
posted 11-08-2004 08:16 PM
Silver Lyon - thank you so much for replying, and yes, I'm still interested in finding out as much as I can. In fact, I'm intrigued even more now, as the date of birth and death you've given me means this is definitely the man I'm reseaching - I found his baptism in Winchester a few years back and have always assumed from all my other research that he died in 1759, but no burial makes it hard to prove. One thing is new to me though - you say he was married at least twice....I just wondered where you have got all your information from? It would certainly make sense considering the number of children he had. Also his being imprisoned would be very likely if he was declared bankrupt. I do hope you can find something positive on him, but even if you don't your help and advice is very much appreciated. Cazza IP: Logged |
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