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Tasmanian Silversmiths - F & W Stewart, Launceston



F & W Stewart, Jewellers, was established at 147 Charles Street, Launceston, in 1879 by brothers Frederic and William Stewart. The Stewart brothers are considered Tasmania's first medallists. The business prospered, and was listed as a shareholder in the Princess River Gold Mining Company in 1887. In 1902 the brothers purchased a property at 100 Charles Street, where the business remains to this day, still in family hands. According to Roger McNeice, it was described as a 'palatial jewellery establishment' and one of the finest in Australia.
The company struck 'quite a few' medallions and medalets for local events and exhibitions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The issues are of importance because they cover five major events: the Launceston Industrial Exhibition of 1886-67, the Jubilee of Queen Victoria 1887, the Tasmanian exhibition of 1891-92, the Centenary of Launceston 1906 and the Australian Natives' Association Exhibition, Launceston, 1908. Of greater importance was the fact that the company was the first in Tasmania to import machinery and strike their own medals.1
We have managed to find three pieces of silver over the years that are stamped 'STEWART', both the serviette rings were purchased separately in Tasmania, pointing to a Tassie origin. The third piece, the shell teaspoon confirmed this. It also suggested to a Launceston, rather than Hobart, maker as it was only Launceston marked on the map. This all fits in for us to confidently ascribe this mark and these pieces to F & W Stewart. 

1 [Tout-Smith, D. (2003) F.& W. Stewart, Jewellers, Tasmania in Museums Victoria Collections https://collections.museumvictoria.com.au/articles/1953  Accessed 10 May 2020]

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