Long before Liberty became one of London’s most iconic luxury department stores, shoppers of the late 19th century knew it as Liberty & Co. — purveyors of fine silverware designed in the Art Nouveau style, Arts and Crafts-style furniture and an eclectic assortment of ornaments, fabrics, fashion and other goods from around the world.
British merchant Arthur Lasenby Liberty founded Liberty & Co. in 1875. Liberty dreamed of selling an assortment of fine wares he obtained in the Far East from a ship docked in the middle of one of London’s busiest shopping thoroughfares. However, he could only manage to borrow £2,000 from his father-in-law, so he settled for a small shop on Regent Street.
What began as a modest business grew exponentially over the next few years, and, by 1890, Liberty & Co. occupied most of Regent Street. Meanwhile, Liberty forged relationships with many British Art Nouveau artists and designers who were keen to work with one of the most prestigious retailers in London.
In 1899, Liberty & Co. hosted an exhibition showcasing a collection of silver pieces designed by notable silversmiths like Oliver Barker, Albert Edward Jones and Bernard Cuzner. A line of silverware called Cymric also debuted and was produced in partnership with silversmith W. H. Haseler of Birmingham and Liberty & Co.’s chief designer, Manx artist Archibald Knox. The innovative Cymric collection featured a blend of Art Nouveau with traditional Celtic style, including such pieces as candlesticks, spoons, bowls, tableware and jewelry.
Liberty & Co. also had a furniture workshop in Archway, London, run by Lawrence Turner and which employed carpenters to produce handcrafted, Arts and Crafts-style armchairs, stools, bookcases, cabinets, side tables and other furniture. Most of these high-quality and durable pieces were made of solid wood such as oak, mahogany and walnut. In addition to their own in-house creations, Liberty & Co. also sold furniture by other designers, including chairs by German architect Richard Riemerschmid.
Liberty died in 1917, and Liberty & Co. became Liberty of London after relocating to their iconic location on Great Marlborough Street in 1924. Ironically, the imposing Tudor Revival building is constructed from the timbers of two decommissioned British Navy ships — realizing Liberty’s original “ship-store” dream.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of antique and vintage Liberty & Co. serveware, seating and decorative objects.
Liberty & Co. Silver mug designed by Oliver Baker made in 1933
By Liberty & Co.
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1933 by Liberty & Co. and designed by Oliver Baker (design no. 66), this exceptional George V sterling silver mug is a quintessential example of the A...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Art Deco Period Octagonal Mug/Cup by Blankensee
Located in New York, NY
Sterling silver, Art Deco period, octagonal-shaped mug/cup, Birmingham, England, year-hallmarked for 1923, S. Blankensee and Sons - makers. Measures 3 1/4 inches high x 3 1/16 inches...
Sterling Silver
Antique Sterling Silver Cobbler Cocktail Shaker (1933)
By William Bruford & Son Ltd
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver cobbler cocktail shaker; an addition to our wine and drinks related silverware collection. This exceptional antique George V English sterling silver cobbler cocktail shaker has a tapering cylindrical form. The surface of this cocktail shaker embellished with impressive engine turned decoration. This cobbler shaker retains the original hallmarked domed push fit cover and stopper, each accented with further bands of engine turned ornamentation to the cylindrical portions. The detachable push fit hallmarked sterling silver stopper allows access to the integrated pierced decorated straining grille; this hallmarked grill is incorporated to the upper portion of the aforementioned removeable cover. Such sterling silver examples are becoming increasingly difficult to locate. Condition This antique silver cocktail shaker...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Aesthetic Movement Mug/Cup by Wood & Hughes
By Wood & Hughes
Located in New York, NY
Sterling silver Aesthetic Movement mug/cup on pedestal base, New York, Ca. 1875, Wood and Hughes - makers. Lovely etched designs on mug. Handle is in the form of a swan (its long nec...
Sterling Silver
Set of 6 Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Cocktail Tumblers or Mugs
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 6 cocktail mugs or glasses. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver with gold washed interiors. With tapered side walls and a slightly concave base. Fully hallmark...
Sterling Silver
American Coin Silver '.900' Cup/Mug on Pedestal Base by Bailey & Co.
Located in New York, NY
American Coin Silver (.900) cup/mug on pedestal base, Bailey and Company, Philadelphia, circa 1846-1878. Decorated with country cabins in the woods. Bead work decorates the upper rim...
Sterling Silver
Neoclassical Sterling Silver Mug/Cup by The Whiting Mfg. Co.
By Whiting Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Neoclassical, sterling silver mug/cup, Providence, Rhode Island, Ca. 1880's, Whiting Mfg. Co. - maker. Measures almost 4 inches high x 4 1/2 inches wide fr...
Sterling Silver, Gold
$6,049
H 8.04 in Dm 0.4 in
Antique Sterling Silver Georgian Silver Lidded Tankard/ Beer Mug 1780 George III
Located in London, GB
A classic antique George II solid Silver lidded Tankard. This Silver Georgian Quart Tankard has an impressive domed hinged lid with a shaped thumb piece and a substantial scroll hand...
Sterling Silver
Victorian Sterling Silver Christening Mug
By Thomas Bradbury & Sons Ltd.
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver christening mug; an addition to our silver christening collection. This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver christening mug has a tapering cylindrical form. The body of the antique silver christening mug...
Silver
Antique Sterling Silver Mug
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive small antique 17th century English sterling silver mug; an addition to our silverware collection. This fine and impressive antique William & Mary* sterling silver mug has a cylindrical tapering form. The surface of this hand raised silver mug is embellished with the impressive engraved chinoiserie decoration depicting simplified figures farming. The decoration to the body incorporates an organic bordered cartouche ornamented with the contemporary engraved initials 'SH'. The body of this sterling silver mug is further embellished with bands of tooled decoration, in addition to applied moulded decoration to the upper and lower rims. This 17th century silver mug is fitted with an impressive cast silver S scroll handle ornamented with thread decoration. Such examples from this period are rare to the market and becoming increasing difficult to locate. * This period of history saw the co-reign of King William III and Queen Mary II from 1689 until her death in 1694. Mary was the princess royal and daughter of Charles I and William III, who was also known as William of Orange, was the sovereign Prince of Orange from birth, Stadtholder of Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Guelders, and Overijssel in the Dutch Republic from the 1670s. NOTE: After surviving the Great Fire of London the records at the London Assay office were destroyed by fire in 1681; their catalogues and documentation began again in 1697. Due to this unfortunate event we are unable to associate a maker to this mug. Condition This 17th century silver mug is an excellent gauge of silver, excellent quality and in excellent condition. The engraved decoration is all crisp in keeping with age. Full hallmarks struck to the underside of the mug are very clear. Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this small antique silver...
Sterling Silver
Georgian Newcastle Sterling Silver Half Pint or Christening Mug
By David Crawford, Newcastle 1
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Georgian Newcastle sterling silver half pint/christening mug; an addition to our range of diverse Newcastle silverware. This fine antique George III Newcastle sterling silver half pint/christening mug has a plain baluster shaped form onto a circular spreading foot. The surface of this Georgian silver mug...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Pair of Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Cocktail Tumblers or Mugs
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed pair of silver cocktail mugs or glasses. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver with gold washed interiors. With curved side walls and a slightly concave base. Fu...
Sterling Silver
$207
H 2.56 in W 3.75 in D 3.75 in
Liberty & Co Stamped Made in England Tudric Arts & Crafts pewter Christening mug
By Liberty & Co.
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co. Stamped Made in England Tudric 0358. An Arts and Crafts pewter Christening mug with swirl decoration and stylized pierced handle.
Pewter
Sold
H 4.25 in W 5 in D 3.88 in
Liberty Tudric Pewter Tankard or Mug Arts and Crafts Period, circa 1908
By Liberty & Co.
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good Liberty & Co "Tudric" Pewter hammered tankard or mug numbered 01374 and dating to the early 20th century. The tankard is made of Pewter and has a polished and tapered...
Pewter
Sold
H 5.71 in W 3.75 in D 0.91 in
Stunning Liberty London Kilim & Brown Leather Hip Flask Stainless Steel 6oz
By Liberty & Co.
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning handmade in England Liberty London hip flask Full stamped to the base stainless steel 6oz, the cover is aged brown saddle leather and kilim...
Silver Plate
Liberty Archibald Knox Tray, C. 1905
By Liberty & Co.
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Rare Archibald Knox Liberty & Co Tudric Tray, C.1905. The polished pewter tray of plain punch bead hammered finish with stylised whiplash accents. Meas...
Jacob & Co. is considered expensive for a few reasons. For one thing, the watch collectors of the world know the watchmaker for its multicolored-gemstone designs as well as its oversized and innovative complications. There are substantial costs related to the design, assembly and premium materials associated with Jacob & Co.’s luxury watches, which are painstakingly crafted in Switzerland and sold all over the world. The price tag reflects the brand’s use of meticulously sourced round brilliant cut diamonds and metals such as 18-karat gold. Additionally, only a limited number of timepieces leave the watchmaker's workshops each year, so demand usually far exceeds supply. Find Jacob & Co. watches for sale on 1stDibs.