The One Year Anniversary of the Historic King Charles III's Ciboria

This commission is a testament to the enduring legacy of British craftsmanship and presented a unique challenge. Due to the sacred and priceless nature of the original piece, the reproduction had to be meticulously crafted without the original ever leaving the secure environment of the Chapel Royal. The project was overseen by Simon Surtees, son of company founder John Surtees. He brought together an elite team of UK artisans, including master silversmith Tim Lukes, celebrated hand-engravers Samantha Marsden and James Neville of Sam James Engraving and Steven Wood of Auric SG (gilding). The team worked with extraordinary attention to detail and a profound understanding of historical silversmithing techniques. Every curve, chased detail, and delicate engraving of the original ciboria was meticulously documented and replicated with absolute precision to ensure the new piece was a faithful and worthy reproduction.

This project marks a number of historic firsts. The completed ciboria bears the new Royal Cypher for His Majesty King Charles III, making it one of the first known examples of the new monarch's official insignia to be incorporated into a newly commissioned piece of ecclesiastical silver. Furthermore, the piece also carries a new bespoke hallmark created to celebrate the transition of J Surtees' ownership from John Surtees to his son, Simon, symbolizing a new generation's commitment to the family business.

The hallmarking process itself is a cornerstone of British silversmithing, overseen by the historic Goldsmiths' Company, of which both John and Simon Surtees are esteemed members. The UK hallmarking system, a legal requirement for precious metal articles, guarantees the purity and authenticity of the piece. A complete UK hallmark consists of several compulsory marks: a sponsor's or maker's mark (in this case, J Surtees'), a metal and fineness mark, and an Assay Office mark (the London leopard's head). These marks provide a centuries-old assurance of quality and are a testament to the heritage of the craft.

"It was an immense honour to be entrusted with such a significant and challenging commission," said Simon Surtees.  "This project was a true collaboration of the finest minds and most skilled hands in the London silver trade. The limitations imposed by the nature of the work forced our team to push the boundaries of our craft, relying on generations of knowledge to achieve an exact likeness. I am particularly proud of the contributions of Tim Lukes, whose silversmithing expertise was essential, and Sam James, who perfectly captured the spirit of the original engraving. We are incredibly proud to have created a piece that will serve its historic purpose while celebrating the reign of His Majesty King Charles III." Once completed, the sterling silver ciboria was meticulously gilded to match the historic ecclesiastical plate already in the Chapel Royal's collection, which includes magnificent pieces dating back to the Restoration. The new ciboria now takes its place alongside these treasures, symbolizing both a continuation of royal tradition and the vibrant future of British artisanal heritage.

About J Surtees Ltd
J Surtees Ltd is a family-run business with over 25 years of experience trading from the London Silver Vaults. Specializing in antique, modern, and contemporary sterling silver, the company is renowned for its expertise in bespoke commissions and its commitment to upholding the highest standards of British silversmithing.

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Media Contact: Simon Surtees
J Surtees Ltd
+44 (0) 20 724205178 
simon@johnsurtees.co.uk