Antique Edwardian sterling silver writing set by William Hornby, London. Comprising of a dip pen, mechanical pencil and letter opener, each piece with a gilded finish and set with a turquoise cabochon. Hallmarked English Silver (925 standard), hallmarks include the lion passant, leopard head for London, Date letter for 1904. Silversmith mark W.H for William Hornby. Also bearing French import mark for silver called the Weevil. Silver items from French treaty countries were struck with the weevil in a rectangle mark, in use from 1893 to 1984. The set is housed in the original fitted presentation box, with red velvet interior lining and beautiful red leather exterior. Retailed by Kendall & Co, 17, Rue de la Paix, Paris. Kendall and Co were retailers of luxury items, including Jewelry, Leather Goods and Clocks. Clients included Queen Mary of Great Britain, Baroness Robert de Rothschild. Located at 17 Rue de la Paix, Paris, which was a street of luxury shops, selling luxury items and neighbors included Cartier. Dimensions: Pencil measures 6 7/8" length. Pen is 6 1/4" length. Letter opener is 5 1/4" length. Box measures 8 1/8" x 2 1/4" x 7/8" height. Total silver weight is 28.8 grams. The set is in overall good antique condition with general wear commensurate with age and use. Both the pen and pencil having a dimple dent to the handle.
William Hornby (William James Hornby), a specialist manufacturing silversmith to the trade of novelties and mounted goods, was born in 1856, the eldest child of William James Hornby, Sr. (1835-1900) and his first wife, Eliza (née Kelsey). He was first recorded at 304 City Road, London before moving to 14 Soho Square, Soho, London in 1884. He was listed in 1899 as a manufacturing goldsmith and in 1900 as a silversmith and pencil case maker. In 1900, he moved to Heddon Street just off Regent Street, London. Hornby died in 1914. The business was continued by John Henry Hill, who entered two marks on 6 November 1914. Within a year, Hill moved Hornby’s to 17 & 18 Great Pulteney Street, Soho where the silver firm Hornby’s continued until the 1930s.