Magdalen Feline facts for kids

Magdalen Feline was a talented English silversmith who lived in the 1700s. She was also known as Fellen or Pheline and passed away in 1796. She created many beautiful silver items during her career.

Who Was Magdalen Feline?

Magdalen Feline was a skilled craftswoman who specialized in working with silver. She was the wife of another silversmith named Edward Feline. After he passed away, Magdalen continued their important work. She was known for making both large silver pieces and smaller items like plates.

Her Silversmith Marks

Every silversmith had a special mark, like a signature, to show who made the piece. Magdalen Feline registered her first mark on May 15, 1753. She registered a second mark a few years later, on January 18, 1757. Her workshop was located on King Street in Covent Garden, a well-known area in London.

Famous Silver Creations

Magdalen Feline made many important silver pieces that are still admired today.

Silverware in Museums

• A beautiful silver box made by Feline between 1771 and 1772 is now part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
• The National Museum of Women in the Arts owns two of her pieces: a lamp stand from 1751 and a kettle on a lamp stand from 1756. These show her skill in creating useful and decorative items.

The South Carolina Mace

One of her most famous creations is the ceremonial mace for the South Carolina House of Representatives. This special staff, made in 1756, is still used today in the United States. It is believed to be the only mace from before the American Revolution that is still in use. Magdalen Feline also made four other maces that are kept in England.

Her will, a legal document about her wishes, is still around today. It is dated June 10, 1796.