George Unite, 1877 Birmingham, Victorian Sterling Silver Snuff Box

Description

An exquisite Victorian sterling silver snuff box created by George Unite in 1877. Recognized for his exceptional craftsmanship and artistic flair, Unite dedicated himself to creating fine silver pieces that captured both beauty and functionality. Among his most celebrated creations were ones like this—not merely a container, but a status symbol in high society, a reflection of personal taste and affluence.

The snuff box features intricate designs that intertwine floral motifs with delicate scrollwork—a hallmark of Unite’s style. The lid, adorned with a lion rampant guardant with his paw on a mullet, includes the motto “Animo Fide et Honore”—”With Faith and Honor.” Gilt interior.

Today, pieces crafted by Unite are cherished artifacts, often displayed in museums and private collections. They tell the story of an era when craftsmanship met elegance and where every object had a purpose that transcended its physical form. George Unite’s legacy lives on, not just through his remarkable works but also through a historical appreciation for the artistry of silver that continues to resonate in contemporary design.

Dimensions: 3.55″

Weight: 140 grams / 4.5 troy ounces

About George Unite (1798 – 19 October 1896): An English silversmith working in Birmingham, England, Unite was born in 1798 to Samuel and Prudence Unite. He was apprenticed to Joseph Willmore in 1810.  He worked in partnership with James Hilliard from 1825, but registered his own maker’s mark, “GU,” with the Birmingham Assay Office on August 8, 1832, with an address of 42 Caroline Street, Birmingham. The Hilliard partnership ended before 1845 and Unite continued business under his name. By 1854, the firm was at 65 Caroline Street and had representation through agents at Thavies Inn, Holborn, London. 

The business became George Unite & Sons in 1865. Unite died in 1896 and merged with William Henry Lyde’s electroplate company, located at 50 Newhall Hill, Birmingham, in 1928 to become George Unite Sons & Lyde Ltd.