Heraldic Mementos of Oxford University Colleges

 Victorian Silver & Enamel Lincoln College,       Victorian Silver & Enamel Merton College, Oxford University Vesta Case                          Oxford University Vesta Case

Silver & Enamel Oriel College, Oxford University Trinket Box

A lot of these Victorian and Edwardian silver and enamel Oxford University mementos, although manufactured in Birmingham, appear to have been retailed by the historic Jewellers, Watchmakers & Silversmiths - R.S.Rowell, at 115 High Street, Oxford. Similar examples can be found with the Coats of Arms of the Cambridge University Colleges, but they seem to be a little scarcer, so perhaps similar retail outlets were not available in Cambridge at the time?
 

 

R.S.Rowell, Watchmaker & Jeweller, Oxford. Advertisment c1902.

Founded in 1797, R.S.Rowell has served jewellery to both town and gown for over 200 years. It has produced gewgaws for royalty, a casket for the Marques of Butte, a tea set for Clement Attlee and regalia for the lord mayors.  The business originally operated from 36 Broad Street before moving to 20 High Street in 1861. In 1885 they moved again to 115 High Street, where it remained until 1986 when it closed down. A shop named Rowell of Oxford was begun by former employees at 12 Turl Street, and that closed in 2019.