MAKERS & RETAILERS

Leuchars

Leuchars was established in 1794 by James Leuchars at 47 Piccadilly, London. In 1820, the business moved to 38 Piccadilly, where it became increasingly associated with finely made dressing cases, writing cases and luxury travelling goods.

Following James Leuchars’ death in 1823, his widow Lucy continued the business under her own name. By 1841, the firm was trading as Lucy Leuchars & Son, the ‘Son’ referring to William Leuchars, and had expanded into 39 Piccadilly. During the early years of Queen Victoria’s reign, Leuchars gained royal patronage, with surviving pieces bearing the designation ‘Maker to the Queen’.

Following Lucy’s death in 1847, William took sole control of the firm. Under his direction, Leuchars achieved considerable exhibition success. At the Great Exhibition of 1851, the firm was awarded a Prize Medal for its dressing cases. Further recognition followed at the International Exhibition of 1862, where Leuchars received high commendation for the general excellence of its work, particularly its dressing cases, together with a medal for the taste and execution of its leatherwork.

Lady’s dressing case by Leuchars, entered into the 1851 Great Exhibition.
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.
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’.
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.
Leuchars’ display stand (to the left) at the International Exhibition of 1862.

At the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1867, Leuchars received a silver medal, further strengthening the firm’s international reputation.

In 1868, Leuchars established a Paris depot at 34 Rue de Penthièvre. By 1874, the firm had opened a permanent branch at 2 Rue de la Paix.

Following William Leuchars Sr’s death in 1871, his son William took control of the business. At the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1878, Leuchars & Son was awarded a gold medal for its dressing cases and related luxury travelling goods.

Leuchars, 2 Rue de la Paix, Paris
Leuchars’ shop at 2 Rue de la Paix, Paris.

In 1884, following the death of Louis Dee, the manufacturing business of H. W. & L. Dee at 8 Sherwood Street, Golden Square, was assigned to Leuchars & Son. This considerably strengthened the firm’s manufacturing operations in London.

In 1888, Leuchars & Son, together with its Piccadilly retail premises and Sherwood Street manufactory, was acquired by Asprey & Son. The Leuchars name nevertheless continued to be used at 38 & 39 Piccadilly until 1902, when the business was finally consolidated under Asprey.

Front right view of the closed large coromandel jewellery box by William Leuchars.
Large Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with countess’s Coronet, by William Leuchars. VIEW THIS BOX →
‘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’s coronet.
‘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’s coronet.
Closer front right interior view with both drawers extended.
Antique Coromandel Jewellery Box with Two Drawers and Secret Floor Compartment, by Leuchars. VIEW THIS BOX →
‘W. Leuchars – Maker to H.R.H. The Prince of Wales – 38 Piccadilly, London’ engraved brass manufacturer’s plate.
‘W. Leuchars – Maker to H.R.H. The Prince of Wales – 38 Piccadilly, London’ engraved brass manufacturer’s plate.
Antique Coromandel Jewellery Box by Leuchars, 38 Piccadilly, London.
Antique Coromandel Jewellery Box by Leuchars, 38 Piccadilly, London. VIEW THIS BOX →
William Leuchars manufacturer’s plate from an antique coromandel jewellery box.
William Leuchars manufacturer’s plate from an antique coromandel jewellery box.
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent ‘Automatic’ Mechanism, by William Leuchars.
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent ‘Automatic’ Mechanism, by William Leuchars. VIEW THIS BOX →
William Leuchars manufacturer’s mark gold-tooled into leather.
William Leuchars manufacturer’s mark gold-tooled into leather.
Antique Coromandel Jewellery Box with Concealed Drawers, by William Leuchars.
Antique Coromandel Jewellery Box with Concealed Drawers, by William Leuchars. VIEW THIS BOX →
‘Leuchars, 38 & 39 Piccadilly, London’ engraved brass manufacturer’s plate.
‘Leuchars, 38 & 39 Piccadilly, London’ engraved brass manufacturer’s plate.
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent ‘Automatic’ Mechanism, by Leuchars
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent ‘Automatic’ Mechanism, by Leuchars VIEW THIS BOX →
Large Antique Jewellery Case in Coromandel with Silver-Mounted Monograms, by William Leuchars.
Large Antique Jewellery Case in Coromandel with Silver-Mounted Monograms, by William Leuchars. VIEW THIS BOX →
‘Leuchars & Son. 38 & 39 Piccadilly London.’ engraved brass manufacturer’s plate from an antique jewellery case in coromandel with silver-mounted monograms.
‘Leuchars & Son. 38 & 39 Piccadilly London.’ engraved brass manufacturer’s plate from an antique jewellery case in coromandel with silver-mounted monograms.
Miniature Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel, by Leuchars & Son.
Miniature Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel, by Leuchars & Son. VIEW THIS BOX →
‘Leuchars & Son. 38, 39. Piccadilly London.’ engraved gilt-brass manufacturer’s plate from a miniature antique jewellery box in coromandel.
‘Leuchars & Son. 38, 39. Piccadilly London.’ engraved gilt-brass manufacturer’s plate from a miniature antique jewellery box in coromandel.

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