Antique English Neo-classical Silver Plate tray James Deakin c.1870 19th C

JAMES DEAKIN & SONS LTD
DEAKINS (SILVERSMITHS) LTD
Sheffield
The firm was established in 1865 by James Deakin at Sidney Works, Matilda Street, Sheffield. Before 1886 he was joined in partnership by his three sons, William Pitchford, John and Albert and the style of the firm was changed to James Deakin & Sons. In 1888 they opened London offices and showrooms at 48 Holborn Viaduct. Other branches were opened at Glasgow and Belfast. In 1897 the firm was converted to James Deakin & Sons Ltd.
In 1935, James Deakin & Sons Ltd was part of a short-lived merger "Silver & Steelcrafts Ltd" that included Fenton Bros and J.H. Potter & Sons. The combine collapsed within three years. In 1939 was created Deakins (Silversmiths) Ltd, active at 6 Earl Street and, from 1943 at Sidney Works, Matilda Street. They were liquidated in 1967.
In 1961 the brand was part of the "MONOGRAM" CUTLERY GROUP belonging to I.S. Dearden & Sons Ltd. manufacturing holloware and flatware under the "Bell brand" in the patterns 'Gordon', 'Balmoral' and 'Empire'.
Trade marks used: AZTEC, BELL SILVER, BRISBANE SILVER, PURITAN, REVLIS, SARBON, SHAW & FISHER, SIDNEY SILVER. The figural trade mark (table bell) was used from 1871 to 1936.