Leuchars
Leuchars was established at 47 Piccadilly, London in 1794 by James Leuchars. In 1820, the business moved to 38 Piccadilly shortly before James Leuchars died in 1823.
Lucy Leuchars, James’ widow, continued the business under the name of L. Leuchars. In 1837, the same year as Queen Victoria came to the throne, the firm was awarded the Royal Warrant for their supply of dressing cases to the royal family.
Expanding to 39 Piccadilly in 1841, the name had now changed to Lucy Leuchars & Son; the ‘Son’ referring to William Leuchars. After Lucy’s death in 1847, William gained sole responsibility for the business. Leuchars exhibited and won prize medals for his dressing cases at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and the International Exhibition of 1862, winning a further silver medal at the International Exposition of 1867 in Paris.
In 1870, under the name of Leuchars & Son, William Leuchars along with his son, also called William, opened a further shop at 2 Rue de la Paix in Paris. When William Sr died in 1871, William Jr took control of the business, later winning a gold medal for their dressing cases at the International Exposition of 1878 in Paris.
In 1884, Leuchars moved their existing manufactory from 31 Gerrard Street, Soho, London to 8 Sherwood Street, Golden Square, London.
William Jr finally agreed to sell the business, along with their Sherwood Street manufactory, to Asprey in 1888. Leuchars continued to trade from their 38 & 39 Piccadilly address until 1902.
Lady’s dressing case by Leuchars, entered into the 1851 Great Exhibition.
Description of the lady’s dressing case by Leuchars, entered into the 1851 Great Exhibition.
An illustration of a lady’s dressing case by Leuchars, taken from the ‘Official Descriptive And Illustrated Catalogue Of The Great Exhibition Of The Works Of Industry Of All Nations 1851’.
Leuchars’ display stand (to the left) at the International Exhibition of 1862.
An illustration of Leuchars’ shop at 38 Piccadilly, London taken from ‘London Street Views 1838-1840’ by John Tallis.
Leuchars’ shop at 2 Rue de la Paix, Paris.
‘W. Leuchars. Maker To The Queen – 38 Piccadilly London.’ engraved Nickel silver manufacturer’s plate from a large antique jewellery box in coromandel with countess’ coronet.
Large Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Countess’ Coronet, by William Leuchars.
W. Leuchars – Maker to H.R.H. The Prince of Wales – 38 Piccadilly, London’ engraved brass manufacturer’s plate.
Antique Coromandel Jewellery Box with Two Drawers and Secret Floor Compartment, by Leuchars.
William Leuchars manufacturer’s plate from an antique coromandel jewellery box.
Antique Coromandel Jewellery Box by Leuchars, 38 Piccadilly, London.
William Leuchars manufacturer’s mark gold tooled into leather.
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent ‘Automatic’ Mechanism, by William Leuchars.
‘Leuchars, 38 & 39 Piccadilly, London’ engraved brass manufacturer’s plate.
Antique Coromandel Jewellery Box with Concealed Drawers, by William Leuchars.
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent ‘Automatic’ Mechanism, by Leuchars
‘Leuchars & Son. 38 & 39 Piccadilly London.’ engraved brass manufacturer’s plate from an antique jewellery case in coromandel with silver mounted monograms.
Large Antique Jewellery Case in Coromandel with Silver Mounted Monograms, by William Leuchars.
‘Leuchars & Son. 38, 39. Piccadilly London.’ engraved gilt-brass manufacturer’s plate from a miniature antique jewellery box in coromandel.
Miniature Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel, by Leuchars & Son.
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