MAKERS & RETAILERS

Halstaff & Hannaford

William Halstaff established his business in 1825 at 68 Margaret Street, Cavendish Square, London. In 1838, he moved to 228 Regent Street, where the firm traded as Halstaff & Co.

In 1842, Halstaff entered into partnership with Thomas Charles Hannaford and the business became known as Halstaff & Hannaford. The firm specialised in writing boxes, dressing cases and ladies’ work boxes, assembling and retailing finely fitted cases that often incorporated the work of specialist silversmiths, locksmiths and other manufacturers. 

The partnership between William Halstaff and Thomas Charles Hannaford was formally dissolved in 1858, although the business continued to trade under the Halstaff & Hannaford name for a further forty years. 

Towards the end of the nineteenth century, the firm had broadened its repertoire considerably. By 1895, Halstaff & Hannaford described themselves as dealers and importers of fine Japanese and other foreign goods, including porcelain, lacquer, ivory carvings, enamels and metalwork. 

In 1898, the business reverted to the name Halstaff & Co. It remained at 228 Regent Street until its final closure in 1908.

Antique Jewellery Box in Calamander, by William Halstaff.
Antique Jewellery Box in Calamander, by William Halstaff. VIEW THIS BOX →
An 1842 manufacturer’s label for William Halstaff, 228 Regent Street, London.
An 1842 manufacturer’s label for William Halstaff, 228 Regent Street, London.
Antique Jewellery Box in Rosewood by William Halstaff.
Antique Jewellery Box in Rosewood by William Halstaff. VIEW THIS BOX →
Manufacturer’s label for William Halstaff, 228 Regent Street, London.
Manufacturer’s label for William Halstaff, 228 Regent Street, London.
Antique Jewellery Box in Burr Walnut by Halstaff & Hannaford.
Antique Jewellery Box in Burr Walnut by Halstaff & Hannaford. VIEW THIS BOX →
Halstaff & Hannaford manufacturer’s label displaying their 228 Regent Street address.
Manufacturer’s label for Halstaff & Hannaford, 228 Regent Street, London.
Antique Jewellery Box in Burr Walnut by Halstaff & Hannaford.
Antique Jewellery Box in Burr Walnut by Halstaff & Hannaford. VIEW THIS BOX →
Halstaff & Hannaford manufacturer’s label reading ‘Manufacturers, 228 Regent St’.
Manufacturer’s label for Halstaff & Hannaford, 228 Regent Street, London.
Antique Jewellery Box in Figured Walnut by Halstaff & Hannaford.
Antique Jewellery Box in Figured Walnut by Halstaff & Hannaford. VIEW THIS BOX →
Halstaff & Hannaford engraved brass manufacturer’s plate from an antique jewellery box in figured walnut.
Halstaff & Hannaford engraved brass manufacturer’s plate from an antique jewellery box in figured walnut.
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel by Halstaff & Co.
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel by Halstaff & Co. VIEW THIS BOX →
Manufacturer’s label for Halstaff & Co, 228 Regent Street, London from 1898.
Manufacturer’s label for Halstaff & Co, 228 Regent Street, London from 1898.
Business card for Halstaff & Co, 228 Regent Street, London.
Business card for Halstaff & Co, 228 Regent Street, London.

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