The owner of Mandalian Mfg. Co. was a Turkish man named Sahatiel Garabad Mandalian. Mandalian was a prolific inventor with many patented designs registered to him. He emigrated from Turkey to the United States of America in 1898. In 1906 Mandalian entered into partnership with Eugene A. Hawkins. At this time the firm was known as Mandalian & Hawkins. On November 7 1912 the partners applied to patent a machine for making coat of mail fabric. The inventor was George Gos.
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The term damascene is said to be English and derived from the view that this sort of decoration resembles damask silk. This technique originated in Syria, Western Asia. Some hold the opinion that the term damascene derives from the name of Syria’s capital city, Damascus. It is believed that the process of creating damascene adornments was first practiced over 1,500 years ago. The people of the Orient regard damascene as a symbol of good fortune.
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The word Japonism (from the French word Japonisme) is the influence of Japanese aesthetics, art, and fashion on Western culture. The term is used particularly to refer to Japanese influence on European art, most notably the Impressionist Movement. In France Japonisme referred to a style of French design found in the fine arts and it was a natural progression that this country's master silversmiths would be inspired by this exotic theme to create the most coveted objet d'art.
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Victor Mayer was born in 1857. His portrait is courtesy of Victor Mayer GmbH & Co KG Pforzheim. He trained as a steel engraver and also as an artist. In 1877 he commenced his studies at the Grand Ducal School of Arts and Crafts. It was during his studies at this institution he became known as a highly talented draughtsman. Whilst studying in Vienna he also worked as an engraver to pay for his tuition. His training involved perfecting the art of guilloche engraving and enamelling. He was to become one of the finest jewellers of his time.
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John Boot (1815 – 1860) was the founder of Boots The Chemist. He was born in Radcliffe on Trent and studied at Tiffin School in Kingston. He became a farm worker but his poor health did not give him the great strength and resilience needed for this type of employment. He moved to Hockley Village. Unable to afford doctors’ fees his mother made herbal remedies for him. She taught him how to make remedies too. John married Mary Wills and they had two children Jesse and Jane. John died in 1860. On his death Mary continued the business they had founded - M & J Boot Herbalists.
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Some of our favourite sterling silver and guilloche enamel powder compacts are vanities crafted by Henry Clifford Davis. The wide variety of lid decorations and exquisitely beautiful compositions ensure these beautiful accessories pride of place in any collection.
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John Hilliard (1816 - 1871) established his business in 1837 in Birmingham, England. Three years later John Thomason Jr. (1811- 1892) joined the firm & they began to trade as Hilliard & Thomason. John Hilliard's father was James Hilliard, who was a lifelong silversmith. Hilliard & Thomason were known for making small silver items such as snuff boxes, wine labels, vinaigrettes and exquisite mother of pearl inlaid knives. Hilliard & Thomason nutmeg graters are especially sought-after today.
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