Leopard Antiques Canadian Antique Silver Ecclesiastical Communion Footed Paten - James Langford, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Canadian Antique Silver Ecclesiastical Communion Footed Paten - James Langford, Halifax, Nova Scotia	Order Form Request more information

Reference: S11521 Period: William IV Year: 1838-1847 Silversmith: James Langford Place: Halifax, Nova Scotia Price: $ 700.00 Weight: 70 grams Dimensions: 8 cm diameter, Condition: Very good, some very light scratches and very tiny dents , barely noticeable. Description: A rare Canadian antique silver Ecclesiastical Communion Paten, made by James Langford in Halifax, Nova Scotia, circa 1840. The paten is beautifully engraved with IHS under a cross, enclosed in a sunburst, this engraving is still very clear, with very little wear. The paten is circular, quite small at 8 cm diameter, and sits on a raised circular foot. The quality is excellent, the weight is very pleasing, no expense was spared when this was made. The IHS monogram stands for "Jesus Saviour of Humankind", and is used by various churches, it is also the emblem of the Jesuit order. The hallmarks are also clearly struck and in excellent condition, they have been preserved from wear by a slight indent in the base of the foot. The five hallmarks include a pseudo anchor town mark (copy of the Birmingham town mark, but also referencing the maritime role of Halifax), makers mark JL, right facing lion passant (the British lion passant is left facing), pseudo H date letter (which actually refers to Halifax), and pseudo Georgian duty mark with facial features and long hair clearly visible (even though Queen Victoria was already on the throne). Note the anchor and duty mark are slightly larger than the other 3 hallmarks, and were struck separately (the centre 3 hallmarks were probably struck together in a stub). This is a slightly different combination from Langford's marks shown by John Langdon in his book "Canadian Silversmiths 1700-1900", page 93, a book we highly recommend. James Langford was an interesting character, see his biography in the Dictionary of Canadian Biography by Brian Murphy, University of Toronto and Laval. His father John Langford (also a silversmith) moved from London to Halifax in 1809, James was born in 1815. He apprenticed with either Peter Nordbeck (who became his father-in-law) or Mignowitz, and commenced working as a "working gold & silversmith, jeweller" in 1838. He died young in 1847, a real pity as during his 9 year career he acquired considerable public patronage, and has left behind some wonderful silver. Examples of his work are now in multiple museums and collections, including the Henry Birks collection (National Gallery of Canada), Nova Scotia museum, Public Archives Nova Scotia, Montreal museum of Fine Arts, McCord museum, Royal Ontario museum, and Sigmund Samuel Canadiana Building. Brian Murphy said "Langford's ideas and designs were innovative and experimental, and as a result his surviving work is surprisingly diverse. His early death left the Halifax silversmithing community without one of its most energetic, capable, and promising members".


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Canadian Antique Silver Ecclesiastical Communion Footed Paten


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Canadian Antique Silver Ecclesiastical Communion Footed Paten - James Langford, Halifax, Nova Scotia


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IHS silver paten


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Antique Silver Ecclesiastical Communion Footed Paten


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James Langford, Halifax, Nova Scotia silver hallmarks


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Canadian silver pseudo hallmarks


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James Langford canadian silver

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