(b Zurich, fl 1652–88). Swiss goldsmith, active in England. One of the most important goldsmiths working in England in the second half of the 17th century, he is noted for his exceptionally high standard of craftsmanship. He was born into a goldsmithing family and was apprenticed to his father, Hans Jacob Howzer II. He became a freeman in 1652 and had moved to England by 1657. His importance is shown by the fact that he was appointed ‘Embosser in Ordinary’ to Charles II and in the 1660s was employed by the Jewel House to work on several orders. He was employed directly by the Crown, but was allowed to sell his wares to other clients, due to the fact that in 1664 he, together with JACOB BODENDICK, gained permission from the King to have their wares assayed and marked by the Goldsmiths’ Company. Extant objects bearing the mark attributed to Howzer (WH over a cherub) are usually of a much higher quality than plate produced by many of the native English goldsmiths of the period and are characterized by skilful embossing and chasing. Surviving objects include the large set of plate (Durham, Cathedral Treasury) for the chapel at the Bishop’s Palace, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham, of which the elaborately embossed altar dish and flagon are particularly notable. He also made altar dishes (in situ) for St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, Berks, and the Chapel Royal, Whitehall, London.

• Howzer, Wolfgang
  • England, §IX, 1(iii)(a): Gold and silver, 1661–1729: History and uses