65 Caroline Street, Birmingham and 16 Thavies Inn, London
George Unite (b.1798) was a renowned silversmith whose firm, George Unite & Sons, became a significant name in British silver manufacturing.
George Unite began his career as an apprentice to Joseph Willmore (qv) in 1810, a respected Birmingham silversmith.
George Unite established his own workshop in partnership with James Hilliard in 1825, specialising in small silver items such as snuff boxes, card cases, vinaigrettes, and pocket fruit knives.
It is not recorded how long the partnership lasted, but prior to 1845 George Unite was trading under his own name. By this time his firm had gained a strong reputation for its finely crafted silverware. As the business expanded, the firm became George Unite & Sons, when his son, George Richard Unite, joined the business.
George Unite junior died in 1896. In 1897 the remaining family partners, Edward Willoughby Unite and William Oliver Unite dissolved George Unite & Sons, but the George Unite name and silver mark continued into the 20th century.
Registered Maker’s Marks
First Birmingham silver mark “GU” registered August 1832, subsequent marks registered August 1861 and May 1864. Sheffield silver mark registered 4 July 1861. Chester silver marks registered July 1897 and October 1898.
A serpentine shaped pocket fruit knife by George Unite with chamfered mother-of-pearl scales and an inlaid silver cartouche. The silver blade has a ‘French’ nail nick.
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