Although little information exists about London silversmith Charles Stuart Harris, his exquisite sterling silverware and serveware — the ornate and distinctive bowls encircled with chased scrolling leaf decoration, the platters featuring Vitruvian scrollwork, the centerpieces with their leaf-capped and scrolled arms he designed as well as those produced by the family firm C.S. Harris & Sons Ltd. — is a testament to an age of refinement and elegance.
Harris was from a family of silversmiths active in London in the mid-19th century. In 1817, the firm now known as C.S. Harris & Sons Ltd. was founded by John Mark Harris, a spoon maker. His son, John Robert Harris, took over the family company in 1843, listed as a silver spoon and fork manufacturer.
Neoclassical-style sterling-silver goods in Europe gained popularity in the late 18th century — a taste for sterling-silver tableware, as well as tea sets, had taken shape — while in the United States, beginning in the 19th century, preparing the dinner table with sterling-silver flatware had become somewhat of a standard practice.
Around 1852, the business passed to Charles Harris, who was registered as an electroplater and gilder, a maker of spoons and forks as well as a silversmith. At first, under Harris, the family firm continued as a manufacturer of spoons and forks; however, they later expanded into making cutlery and flatware.
By 1881, the company was formally registered under Harris’s name — Charles Stuart Harris — and it earned a reputation for its utilitarian flatware. In 1897, when the business became known as C.S. Harris & Sons Ltd., they were listed as manufacturers and dealers in gold and silverplate. By this time, the company produced additional furnishings and objects such as serveware, candle holders and tea caddies. They also retailed in wire and lace, silver and gold diamond jewelry and watches.
It is said that by 1900, C.S. Harris & Sons Ltd. sent more silver to London’s Assay Office to be hallmarked than any other silversmith company. Shortly after the turn of the 20th century, Harris retired. In 1933, C.S. Harris & Sons Ltd. merged with I. Freeman and Company.
Today, items produced by Harris remain highly coveted by collectors of Victorian and Edwardian sterling silverware and decorative objects.
Find antique Charles Stuart Harris silver serveware, decorative objects and more collectibles on 1stDibs.
Cast set of 4 Victorian Britannia standard silver candlesticks made in 1893
By Charles Stuart Harris
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1893 by Charles Stuart Harris, this very handsome set of 4, Victorian, Antique Britannia Standard Silver Candlesticks, are octagonal in shape, plain in style,...
Britannia Standard Silver
$364 / set
H 5.91 in W 2.37 in D 3.94 in
Green Palm Trees Candlesticks Hand Painted Made in Italy Set of 2
By Bertrando Di Renzo
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Light up your table with our palm trees candlestick Size small 15cm Size medium 25cm.
Ceramic
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Two-Light Candelabra (1893)
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive pair of antique Victorian English sterling silver two-light candelabra; an addition to our Victorian silverware collection. These exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver candelabra have a classical square-shaped form, replicating the details of a classic English George I style. Each impressive two light candelabrum retains the original hallmarked detachable push fit scrolling arms embellished with reed decoration. The branches (labra) support two rounded waisted capitals with plain circular dished drip pans, ornamented with applied gadroon decorated borders. The capitals are fitted with the original hallmarked push fit circular sconces, embellished with further gadroon decorated borders to the rims. Each Victorian silver candelabrum bears a central fluted decorated boss, ornamented reflecting the same dish pan design as the capitals. These versatile Victorian candelabra can be used as candlesticks once the arms are detached. The square-shaped stepped foot incorporates a plain sunken well encircled with gadroon decoration to a plain collet style rim. These Victorian silver candelabra have filled bases and bear a solid silver underside. These exceptional 2 arm candelabra are the finest of their type you could hope to acquire. This exquisite pair of antique silver...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Antique Victorian Brass Candlesticks
Located in Suffolk, GB
Pair of antique Victorian brass candlesticks having circular tops above a turned shaped column raised on a stepped shaped base. Measures: 23 x 9 x 9.5 cm. Date 1860.
Brass
$400Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 8 in W 3.5 in D 3.25 in
Pair of Solid Brass Dolphin Candlesticks in Victorian Style
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Pair of solid brass vintage candlesticks features playful dolphin figures, supporting bobeches and candle sockets with their curved tails. Exquisite detailing and texture of the dol...
Brass
Sculptural Handcrafted Sand Cast Bronze Candlesticks 'Set of 3'
By DBO Home
Located in Sharon, CT
These elegant and sexy candlesticks were sculpted in wax then sand cast in solid bronze. They taper like a Manolo stiletto but finished with a rustic patina that brings them down to ...
Bronze
$364 / set
H 5.91 in W 2.37 in D 3.94 in
Pink Palm Trees Candlesticks Hand Painted Made in Italy Set of 2
By Bertrando Di Renzo
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Light up your table with our palm trees candlestick. Size: small 15cm Size: medium 25cm.
Ceramic
$245 / set
H 10.63 in W 3.63 in D 3.63 in
1893 Design Registry Mark Pair of English Brass Candlesticks
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Pair of English brass candlesticks, 1893 design registry mark. A good pair in the popular beehive & diamond motif ring stepped form. Canted corner square bases stamped "England RD223...
Brass
$1,151 / set
H 10.24 in W 4.93 in D 4.93 in
Quality Pair of Antique Victorian Silver Plated Candlesticks
Located in Suffolk, GB
Quality pair of antique Victorian silver plated candlesticks having an outstanding quality pair of antique Victorian ornate silver plated candlesticks standing on ornate shaped round...
Silver Plate
Pair Antique Victorian Candlesticks Made in England Circa 1850
Located in Katonah, NY
Made circa 1850, this pair of antique English pottery candlesticks is painted with delicate floral garlands set against a warm beige ground. The surface is finished with fine bands o...
Stoneware
Antique Belgian, Cast Silver Louis XVI Candlesticks
Located in Torino, IT
An elegant pair of French silver candlesticks. They both feature Belgian silver hallmarks. Mons 1783. Weight: 846 grams.
$1,329 / set
H 5.12 in W 3.15 in D 3.15 in
Pair of Antique Candlesticks, English, Silver Plate, Candle Stand, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of antique candlesticks. An English, silver plated candle stands, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Charming decorative candle stands with timeless, cl...
Silver Plate
$900 / set
H 10.38 in Dm 5.5 in
Pair of Antique English Victorian Silver Plated Elkington Candlesticks
Located in New Orleans, LA
Victorian candlesticks with lovely form. Sure to be a wonderful addition to any dining table or sideboard.
Silver Plate
Sold
H 7.88 in W 10.44 in D 5.32 in
Victorian Britannia Standard Silver Pair of Candlesticks - 1874 C. S. Harris
By Charles Stuart Harris
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1874 by Charles Stuart Harris, this wonderful pair of Victorian, Antique Britannia Standard Silver Candlesticks, are a fine reproduction of a form found durin...
Britannia Standard Silver
Sold
H 3.75 in Dm 3.5 in
Pair of British Sterling Victorian Capstan Candlesticks in the European Style
By Charles Stuart Harris
Located in New York, NY
Pair of unusual, British, sterling silver, Victorian, Capstan candlesticks in the European style, London, 1886, Charles Stuart Harris - maker. Remo...
Sterling Silver