Our History
The W.J. Sanders hallmark embodies timeless design and meticulous craftsmanship, adorning cocktail shakers and sterling silver tea services alongside some of the world’s most recognised sporting trophies.
Founded in Sydney in 1911 by esteemed Birmingham silversmith William Sanders, the company began by producing an array of trophies, silverware and prestigious gift items, all identifiable by the W.J. Sanders elephant emblem.
Over the generations, W.J. Sanders has evolved while continuing to apply traditional skills to create and restore iconic sporting trophies and ceremonial pieces, alongside offering luxury barware, fashion accessories and sought-after giftware.
1911-1914
William James Sanders starts a small workshop in Sydney, Australia, at
80 Hunter Street. The firm expands and relocates to 212 Clarence Street.
1911-1914
William James Sanders starts a small workshop in Sydney, Australia, at
80 Hunter Street. The firm expands and relocates to 212 Clarence Street.
1920s
W.J. Sanders becomes linked to iconic Australian sporting events,
producing trophies like The Liverpool Cup and The Grafton Cup.
1920s
W.J. Sanders becomes linked to iconic Australian sporting events,
producing trophies like The Liverpool Cup and The Grafton Cup.
1928
W.J. Sanders creates a sterling silver baptismal cover for St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney, commemorating the 1928 World Catholic Eucharist Congress.
1928
W.J. Sanders creates a sterling silver baptismal cover for St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney, commemorating the 1928 World Catholic Eucharist Congress.
1934-1939
Commissioned to manufacture the MacRobertson Centenary International Air Race Trophy and The Kings Cup having been authorised by the British Monarchy.
1934-1939
Commissioned to manufacture the MacRobertson Centenary International Air Race Trophy and The Kings Cup having been authorised by the British Monarchy.
1945
Commissioned by the NSW State Government to create the Casket for the opening of the Captain Cook Graving Dock.
1945
Commissioned by the NSW State Government to create the Casket for the opening of the Captain Cook Graving Dock.
1950s
W.J. Sanders proudly continues its long-standing tradition of creating "White Label" items for renowned high street retailers.
1950s
W.J. Sanders proudly continues its long-standing tradition of creating "White Label" items for renowned high street retailers.
1969-1971
Commissioned to produce the Australian Coat of Arms. Later, W.J. Sanders merges with badge maker W.J. Amor.
1969-1971
Commissioned to produce the Australian Coat of Arms. Later, W.J. Sanders merges with badge maker W.J. Amor.
1977-1983
Created the Philips Cup and reproduced trophies for The Australian Golf Club. Kenneth Cavill writes the first history of W.J. Sanders.
1977-1983
Created the Philips Cup and reproduced trophies for The Australian Golf Club. Kenneth Cavill writes the first history of W.J. Sanders.
1996-1998
The W.J. Sanders and W.J. Amor merger dissolves and W.J. Sanders trades independently, moving to the current site of Fitzroy Street, Marrickville.
1996-1998
The W.J. Sanders and W.J. Amor merger dissolves and W.J. Sanders trades independently, moving to the current site of Fitzroy Street, Marrickville.
2008
W.J. Sanders becomes the official trophy manufacturer of the Australian Open Norman Brookes Challenge Cup.
2008
W.J. Sanders becomes the official trophy manufacturer of the Australian Open Norman Brookes Challenge Cup.
2015
ABC Bullion commissions W.J. Sanders to make the 2016 Emirates Melbourne Cup suite of Trophies.
2015
ABC Bullion commissions W.J. Sanders to make the 2016 Emirates Melbourne Cup suite of Trophies.
2020
ABC Bullion commissions W.J. Sanders to create the inaugural ATP Cup, Runner’s-Up Plate, and Medallions for the final eight players from locally sourced precious metals and materials.
2020
ABC Bullion commissions W.J. Sanders to create the inaugural ATP Cup, Runner’s-Up Plate, and Medallions for the final eight players from locally sourced precious metals and materials.
2022
W.J. Sanders is commissioned by ABC Bullion to produce the full suite of Australian Open Trophies.
2022
W.J. Sanders is commissioned by ABC Bullion to produce the full suite of Australian Open Trophies.
2024
W.J. Sanders relaunches its iconic bar and homeware range.
2024
W.J. Sanders relaunches its iconic bar and homeware range.