Charles Hancock & Co.

Charles Frederick Hancock (1809–1891) was a distinguished jeweller and silversmith, born in Birmingham. In 1849, after ending his partnership with Storr & Mortimer, he founded his own firm, C. F. Hancock, and established a shop at 39 Bruton Street, London. That same year, he received a Royal Warrant from Queen Victoria, marking the beginning of a long association with the British royal family.

In 1851, Hancock exhibited at the Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace, showcasing the firm’s craftsmanship on an international stage. In 1856, Queen Victoria entrusted the company with the production of the Victoria Cross, Britain’s highest military decoration for valour, a role the firm continues to fulfil today.

Hancock’s reputation grew both in Britain and abroad, with the firm participating in major world exhibitions, including Paris in 1867 and Vienna in 1873, earning awards and royal commissions from various European courts.

Charles Frederick Hancock retired in 1870, passing the business to his sons, Mortimer and Charles Frederick Jr., along with partners Henri Dore and Horatio Stewart. The firm was then renamed Hancocks & Co.

Over its history, Hancocks has been awarded four Royal Warrants. In 1997, the company relocated to its current premises in Burlington Arcade, where it continues to operate under the directorship of Stephen Burton.