Makers & Designers

Strauss & Co’s decorative arts department has handled a worldly list of makers and designers specialising in furniture making, jewellery, silver, glass, porcelain and other artisanal trades.

Strauss & Co’s decorative arts department has handled a worldly list of makers and designers specialising in furniture making, jewellery, silver, glass, porcelain and other artisanal trades. This searchable database lists prominent makers and designers sold by Strauss & Co, including René Lalique, Gio Ponti, Patrick Mavros, as well as coveted houses like The Barnards and Tiffany & Co.



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John Townsend

Cape Colony 


Active c.1824-1841

John Townsend was an active goldsmith, jeweller, and later auctioneer in Cape Town from 1824 to 1841, though his birth and death dates are unknown. He began his career at 9 Berg Street (1824–1825), then moved to 4 Longmarket Street in 1826, followed by 5 Longmarket Street (1827–1829), 1 Market Square (1830–1832), and 5 Heerengracht (1833–1835). In 1836, he operated a manufactory of plate and jewellery at 1a St John Street, returning to 5 Heerengracht from 1838 to 1841, where he expanded his services to include watchmaking. During this time, he became part of the firm Bevil and Townsend, Auctioneers and Appraisers (1841), and later joined Deneys Brothers & Company at 16 Heerengracht (1842–1844), continuing there as an auctioneer until 1846. His earlier business address (1833–1837) was shared with Adams and Daniel, and from 1837 to 1841, with Peter Clarke Daniel.


14 lots offered      100.00% sold      ZAR 932 953
 

  Including Premium and VAT Results include Buyer's Premium and VAT
A Cape silver presentation alms dish, John Townsend, c.1824-1841
9 Jul 2025
Starting at ZAR 40 000
A Cape silver beaker, John Townsend, c.1824-1841
9 Jul 2025
Starting at ZAR 45 000
A Cape silver snuff box, John Townsend, c.1824-1841
9 Jul 2025
Starting at ZAR 5 000
A Cape silver 'Fiddle' pattern soup ladle, John Townsend, 19th century
12 Apr 2023
Sold for ZAR 6 449
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
A Cape silver pap boat, John Townsend, 19th century
11 Apr 2021
Sold for ZAR 9 380
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
A Cape silver 'Fiddle & Shell' pattern basting spoon, John Townsend, 19th century
11 Apr 2021
Sold for ZAR 7 622
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
A pair of Cape silver 'Fiddle' pattern konfyt forks, John Townsend, 19th century
6 Jul 2020
Sold for ZAR 4 925
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
A Cape silver Fiddle pattern sauce ladle, John Townsend, first half 19th century
9 Apr 2018
Sold for ZAR 4 690
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
A Cape silver christening mug, John Townsend, second quarter 19th century
14 Mar 2016
Sold for ZAR 20 463
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
A Cape silver port label, John Townsend, mid 19th century
14 Mar 2016
Sold for ZAR 7 612
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
A Cape silver Fiddle pattern butter knife, John Townsend, first half 19th century
12 Oct 2015
Sold for ZAR 18 189
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
An important Cape silver presentation cup and cover, John Townsend, circa 1833
17 Mar 2014
Sold for ZAR 250 096
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT