This information has been updated with many thanks to Miles Harrison, who has recently published a new book "Exeter and West Country silver 1700-1900".  This is an extremely comprehensive book and can be bought directly from Miles - simply click HERE

George Ferris I is a very well known Exeter maker. He was Richard Ferris's brother. He was born in 1762 and died on 30th January 1840, outliving his brother by a huge 28 years.

George and Richard Ferris operated from a jeweller in the centre of Exeter, variously recorded as "The Close", "High Street", 166 Fore Street and 106 Fore Street, in that order chronologically.

His first mention of work sent for Assay was on 15th January 1803, when he sent 13 pairs of buttons for Assay. There are then no further entries for him until 20th March 1812 when he sent a variety of work for assay, including 13 pairs of tongs. There was nothing else assayed in his name before 20th March 1812. From March 1812 onwards, George Ferris sent regular work in for assay.  This will no doubt have been as a result of him taking over from Richard Ferris, his brother who died in 1812. George Ferris II was George Ferris I's son.

Click here for tongs by Richard Ferris