[2] Mary was overseeing the firm until the younger William could take over; however, upon finishing his apprenticeship in 1838, he embarked instead on a religious career.
Consequently the business was left to George Adams, Mary Ann's husband.
He entered partnership with his mother-in-law on 3 August 1840; on 23 November that year he took full leadership of the firm.
[3] Several pieces bearing the hallmark of Mary Chawner are in the collection of the National Museum of Women in the Arts.
These include six William IV tablespoons, from 1835; a William IV fish slice, of the same year; a Victorian fish slice, of 1839; and two Victorian dinner forks, also from that year.