William Edwards was born in 1819 in London where he joined the family business and trained as a silversmith. He migrated to Melbourne in 1857 and set up a business in Collins Street, later moving to Collins Street East where sold silver wares, either made in his workshop or imported from London.

Edwards’ workshop excelled in the production of silver-mounted emu egg trophies, and is known for making the earliest surviving piece; a covered cup presented in 1859 to a Melbourne University scholar by his students. His workshop also produced a number of silver pieces, occasional gold trophies and epergnes, some of which were displayed in many international exhibitions. Edwards also completed major commissions such as the gifts for Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, which then earned him an appointment as goldsmith and jeweller of the Duke’s household.

He displayed his work at the International Exhibition in 1861, more...

11 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

A sterling silver-mounted emu egg cup, makers mark of William…

A sterling silver-mounted emu egg cup, makers mark of William Edwards, Melbourne. Australian 19th century. stamped WE top base foot-rim and BB MD and emu and kangaroo stamped to one leaf. Provenance: Christies South Kensington 22 March 2007 lot 1331 (…

A sterling-silver mounted emu egg presentation covered cup on…

A sterling-silver mounted emu egg presentation covered cup on pedestal base, makers mark of William Edwards, Australian 19th century. with sewing and other fitments in velvet lined interior. Provenance: Descended from the family of Theodore Roosevelt.…

A fine sterling-silver mounted emu-egg presentation bowl and…

A fine sterling-silver mounted emu-egg presentation bowl and cover, makers mark of William Edwards, Australian 19th century. gilt interior, a pair of emus as the final and parrot finials to the handles, stamped WE makers mark, emu and kangaroo marks, 27…

William Edwards of Melbourne impressive silver and emu egg…

Melbourne's Exquisite Emu Egg Casket: A Grateful Tribute

William Edwards of Melbourne impressive silver and emu egg casket, adorned with emus, parrots, kangaroo and ferns. Bearing inscription 'To A.A. Vansittart Esq, in grateful remembrance of Past Favors And Admiration Of Many, Disinterested and Noble Actions,…

Edwards & Kaul (attributed) Australian silver mounted half emu…

Silver Mounted Half Emu Egg with Emu Finial

Edwards & Kaul (attributed) Australian silver mounted half emu egg with silver emu finial, circa 1880. William Edwards (famous for his fine repousse work) and Alexander Kaul went in to partnership in Melbourne in 1873 and continued until 1892. 17 cm high

William Edwards, Colonial silver mounted emu egg goblet,…

Colonial Silver Emu Egg Goblet with Australian Wildlife Decoration

William Edwards, Colonial silver mounted emu egg goblet, spectacularly adorned with kangaroo and emu amongst landscape and fern foliage, interior with original gilt wash finish, Melbourne, 19th century, stamped 'W. E.' with emu and kangaroo marks, 19.5 cm…

William Edwards (attributed), Colonial Australian silver…

Colonial Australian Silver Emu Egg with Fern Base

William Edwards (attributed), Colonial Australian silver mounted emu egg with emu finial and fern base, 19th century, 29.5 cm high. Provenance: The Edward Clark collection, Melbourne

William Edwards, Australian silver mounted emu egg with tree…

Australian Silver Emu Egg with Fern Base and Finial

William Edwards, Australian silver mounted emu egg with tree fern base & emu finial. Hallmarked on the foot. Height 29 cm

William Edwards, an impressive 19th century silver mounted emu…

Silver Mounted Emu Egg Inkwell with Aboriginal Figure

William Edwards, an impressive 19th century silver mounted emu egg inkwell with aboriginal seated figure amongst emus & ferns with gold gilt interior & highlights. Mounted on an oval timber base. Height 25.5 cm, width 22 cm, depth 15 cm

An Australian silver mounted emu egg goblet, by William Edwards,…

Australian Emu Egg Goblet by William Edwards, Melbourne, c. 1860

An Australian silver mounted emu egg goblet, by William Edwards, Melbourne, circa 1860 with shaped circular domed base embossed and chased with flower heads, leaves and scrolls, trunk stem with vines, the 3/4 egg with pierced foral rim and gilt interior,…

An Australian mounted emu egg vase, c.1860, attributed to…

Antique Australian Emu Egg Vase with Electroplated Mounts

An Australian mounted emu egg vase, c.1860, attributed to William Edwards, having electroplated upper and lower mounts, with engraved borders and Greek key design handles on a raised circular and beaded foot and turned ebonised plinth base. Height 37.5 cm