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LAWRENCE & PAYNE

9, Howard Street, Birmingham


Lawrence & Payne - Birmingham - 1880

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F. VENOUR & SON

97, Spencer Street, Birmingham


F. Venour & Son - Birmingham - 1893

The business of Frederick Venour. Originally styled 'F. Venour', they entered marks at the Birmingham Assay Office in February 1880, 'F.V' in an oblong punch.

They became 'F. Venour & Son' c.1890 and entered a further mark, 'F.V & S' in an incuse punch without outline in April 1890.

Both variations of their marks were also entered with the Chester Assay Office from the address of 3, Richard Street, Birmingham.

Trev.

JOHN PARKES - WILLIAM PARKES

21, and later, 20, Sand Pits, and later, 28, Paradise Street, and later still, 85, King Edward Road, Birmingham


W. Parkes - Birmingham - 1850


W. Parkes - Birmingham - 1850

It is likely that the origins of this firm lie with John Parkes, a Spectacle Maker who entered his mark, 'IP' contained within an oblong punch, with the Birmingham Assay Office on the 6th January 1813 from the address of 8, Suffolk Street, Birmingham. John Parkes is next recorded as being located at Sand Pits in 1818, and on the 19th September 1827 he entered another mark, 'IP' contained within an oblong punch with clipped corners, at the BAO from the Sand Pits address.









By 1836 John Parkes was joined in partnership by his son, William, and on the 31st August 1836 they entered their mark, 'P & S' (Parkes & Son) contained within an oblong punch, from the Sand Pits address.

By 1840, William Parkes appears to be alone, as on the 8th January 1840 he entered a solo mark, 'WP' contained within an oblong punch with clipped corners, at the BAO, where the register records him as 'William Parkes, late Parkes & Son', the address was entered as 21,Sand Pits. In 1845 he was recorded as an Optician and Spectacle Maker at 20, Sand Pits, Summerhill, Birmingham, and in 1849 as being located at 28, Paradise Street.

William Parkes last noted address was at 85, King Edward Road, Birmingham, in 1862.

Trev.

JOSEPH WHITEHOUSE - JOSEPH WHITEHOUSE & SON

55a, Navigation Street, later, Albert Works, 165, Great Charles Street, Birmingham



Joseph Whitehouse - Birmingham - 1871


J. Whitehouse - Birmingham - 1876


J. Whitehouse & Son - Birmingham - 1904


J. Whitehouse & Son - Birmingham - 1913

Joseph Whitehouse established his Art Metal business in 1858. In c.1890 the firm were restyled as J. Whitehouse & Son and around this time also relocated to the Albert Works at 165, Great Charles Street, Birmingham. They are thought to have been in business until at least the 1920's.

Joseph Whitehouse were recorded in Hulley's Birmingham Directory - 1876-77, where they were described as: 'church furniture manufacturer, medieval metal worker and brass founder in general, all kinds of church furniture, gas fittings, &c., cleaned, repaired, lacquered and painted, sacred vessels re-gilt and silvered, altar bread irons made, all kinds of silver and electro-plated articles restored equal to new, every description of medals supplied.'

Joseph Whitehouse & Son were recorded in Kelly's Directory of Birmingham - 1890, 1896, 1901, 1911, 1913, 1919, and 1921.

J. Whitehouse & Son entered their mark, 'J W & S' contained within an oblong punch with rounded corners, with the Birmingham Assay Office in March 1894, describing themselves as Church Metalworkers.

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A.L. DAVENPORT Ltd.

Pelican Works, 45, Great Hampton Street, Birmingham



A. L. Davenport Ltd. - Birmingham - 1960

Established in c.1927 by James Davenport. In 1932 they acquired the old established business of T. Wilkinson & Sons along with their famous Pelican Works in Great Hampton Street, Birmingham from Thomas Wilkinson's grandsons, Arthur William and Francis Isaac Wilkinson.

Following the death of James Davenport the business passed to his son, Eric, who continued to run the business until his death in 1971. The company ceased trading the following year.

A.L. Davenport Ltd. entered their marks with the Birmingham Assay Office. In September 1926 'A.L.D' contained within an oval, in March 1928 'ALD' contained within a double notched oblong punch, and in March 1937 'ALD' in monogram style, contained within an oval punch.

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A.H. WOODWARD

IXL Works, 14, Vittoria Street, Birmingham and 28, Ludgate Hill, London EC


A.H. Woodward - Birmingham - 1879


A.H. Woodward - Birmingham - 1887


A.H. Woodward entered three marks with the Birmingham Assay Office, all being 'AHW' in incuse punches without outline, in November 1884, November 1903, and March 1907.



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ADOLPH SCOTT LTD.

23-26, Great Hampton Street, Birmingham


Adolph Scott - Birmingham - 1914

ADOLPH SCOTT
24, 25, 26, GREAT HAMPTON STREET, BIRMINGHAM
One of the most important features of Birmingham's enterprise is exhibited in the undertakings of her manufacturing goldsmiths, silversmiths, and silver platers, whose long established fame is well sustained by the old house named above. Mr. Adolph Scott has a record of nearly seventy years behind him, for it was in the first half of last century that the foundation of the business was laid. In 1890 the entire concern was taken over by Mr. Adolph Scott, who remains the sole principal ; and during his proprietorship it may truly be said that success has become a habit of the firm. They have taken up many branches of the silversmith's craft and silver-plating work, of which they are the actual manufacturers ; and the business has of late years grown with amazing rapidity. It has accommodation which will compare favourably with any in the trade. By the services of, a skilled and experienced staff, Mr. Scott continues to maintain and improve the standard of design and workmanship which has found widespread favour. At the same time he is in a position to produce largely without sacrifice of quality or finish, and thus to place his friends upon a sound footing in regard to the essentials of satisfactory business relations. The firm's electroplate is known by the registered mark " Amnora Plate," which guarantees it to be of the highest quality. An important department has been cultivated in clocks, watches, jewellery in all its branches, and bronzes. A large and carefully selected stock may always be seen at the show-rooms, wherein the goods are well displayed, affording buyers every opportunity of purchasing to advantage. The output of this house has found ready markets throughout the home markets, abroad, and in all the Colonies. Besides the large number of hands employed in the manufactory, the office and warehouse routine claims the services of a staff numbering nearly fifty persons, in order that demands may continue to be met with that quick despatch which has always been a rule of the house under Mr. Adolph Scott's regime. Telephone : 702 Central. Telegrams : " Adolph, Birmingham."

Source: The Business World - 1914



Adolph Scott Ltd. - Birmingham - 1928

Adolph Scott/Adolph Scott Ltd. entered a variety of marks with the Birmingham, Sheffield, Chester, Edinburgh, and London assay offices.

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C. ROBATHAN & SON

York Works, 121, Villa Street, Birmingham


C. Robathan & Son - Birmingham - 1957

This business is variously described as having been established in either 1908 or 1918, by Charles Robathan. Although Charles founded this firm, other members of his family had been Birmingham silversmiths, John Benjamin Robathan registered his mark on the 11th January 1871, his subsequent and final registration is dated 18th February 1874. Thomas Robathan registered his one and only mark on the 24th February 1871, and on the 16th November 1877, John Charles Robathan registered his mark, he is clearly related to John Benjamin Robathan as the addresses entered are the same.

By 1936 the business was styled C. Robathan & Son, it was later, after 1957, styled C. Robathan & Sons. Past members of the business include William Robathan, a partner, and likely his brother, R.O. Robathan.

The firm was later to become merged with that of the badge, medallion, and civic and fraternal regalia manufacturer, F.C. Parry Ltd of Birmingham.

C. Robathan & Sons are still in business today. Until recently the Managing Director of the business was Craig Robathan. They are now a limited liability company, styled C. Robathan & Sons Ltd. Their address now being 63, Hunters Vale, Hockley, Birmingham.



They entered their marks with the Birmingham Assay Office, 'CR' contained within conjoined circles on the 13th September 1926, 'C.R.&S' contained within an oblong punch on the 22nd December 1936.



See: viewtopic.php?f=38&t=14729&p=184226#p184226

Trev.

W.O. LEWIS

Howard Works, Howard Street, Birmingham



W.O. Lewis - Birmingham - 1876


W.O. Lewis - Birmingham - 1876


W.O. Lewis - Birmingham - 1877

This is William Osbourne Lewis whose business was founded in 1832, and it is still owned and operated by the same family five generations later and still has its manufacturing base in Birmingham.

The Lewis's are perhaps to identified with, a William Lewis, who entered his mark, 'W.L' contained within an oblong punch with clipped corners, as a jeweller of 57, Howard Street, Birmingham, with the Birmingham Assay Office on the 17th November 1856. He is certainly the W.O. Lewis who entered a 'W.O.L' mark in January 1874, described as a Stamper/Piercer, and a 'W·O·L' mark in February 1898, described as a Badge Maker, both marks were contained in oblong punches with clipped corners.

William Osbourne Lewis appears to have continued the business from James William Lewis in 1874, at 37, Howard Street. Birmingham, and named these premises as the 'Howard Works'. By 1920 the business had been converted into a limited liability company and restyled to 'W.O.Lewis (Badges) Ltd', the ownership of the company being with Randolph Shirley Lewis and now located at 39, Howard Street, Hockley, Birmingham.

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BERNARD CUZNER

Bernard Lionel Cuzner was born at Alcester in Warwickshire in 1877. Upon leaving school he initially trained as a watchmaker serving an apprenticeship under his father. During that period he took evening classes in silversmithing at Redditch and realised that it was in that direction where his talent laid. He moved to Birmingham and enrolled at the Vittoria Street School of Jewellery and Silversmithing, a branch of the Birmingham Municipal School of Art, where he studied under Robert Catterson Smith and Arthur Gaskin. From 1900 he appears to have divided his time between teaching at the School of Art and designing for William Hair Haseler and Liberty & Co. In 1901 he entered into, what appears to be a very short-lived, partnership with the designer A.H. Jones, and together they entered their mark, 'B.C. above A.H.J.' contained within an inverted heart shaped punch, with the Birmingham Assay Office in March 1902, but by September of that year Cuzner entered a mark alone, 'B.C.' contained within a reel shaped punch, with the BAO.





B. Cuzner & A.H. Jones - Birmingham - 1901


B. Cuzner & A.H. Jones - Birmingham - 1902


Bernard L. Cuzner & Alfred H. Jones - Birmingham - 1902


Bernard Cuzner - Birmingham - 1903


Bernard Cuzner - Birmingham - 1905

BERNARD CUZNER, Jeweller. Silversmith, etc.
Photos of inexpensive Jewellery and Silverware submitted on application. Also sketches for special work, such as Presentation Plate, the re-modelling of old Jewellery, etc.. or the setting of customers' own Stones.
Antique Silverware, Jewellery, and Metal Work restored.
BOURNVILLE. near BIRMINGHAM.


Bernard Cuzner - Birmingham - 1901

The year 1910 saw Bernard Cuzner appointed to the position of Head of the Metalwork Department at the Birmingham School of Art, a position he held until retirement in 1942. Bernard Cuzner was a frequent entrant at various exhibitions throughout his working life and was much in demand as a designer, one of his most important commissions being the design for the Olympic Torch made by Stanley G. Morris and engraved by William Biddle for the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths to mark the fourteenth Olympiad held in London in 1948. Following his retirement he continued to work as a silversmith until his death in 1956.

Some designs by Bernard Cuzner:


Bernard Cuzner - 1906


Bernard Cuzner - 1909


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AUGUSTUS A. FRIDLANDER Formerly Lewis & Fridlander

26, Hylton Street, Birmingham


Augustus A. Fridlander - Birmingham - 1878


NOTICE is hereby given, that the Partnership heretofore subsisting between us the undersigned, Frank Lewis and Augustus Abraham Fridlander, carrying on business at Hylton-street, Vyse-street, Birmingham, in the county of Warwick, under the style or firm of Lewis and Fridlander, Jewellers, has this day been dissolved by mutual consent.
All debts due to or owing by the late firm will be received and paid by the said Augustus Abraham Fridlander.
Dated this 23rd day of October, 1875.
Frank Lewis.
Augustus A. Fridlander.

Source: London Gazette - 5th November 1875


AUGUSTUS ABRAHAM FRIDLANDER, Deceased.
Pursuant to 22nd and 23rd Vict., cap. 35.
NOTICE is hereby given, that all creditors and other persons having any claims against the estate of Augustus Abraham Fridlander, late of Vyse-street, in the city of Birmingham, Merchant, deceased, who died on the 4th day of March, 1907, are hereby required to send the particulars, in writing, of their claims to us, the undersigned on or before the 30th day of November, 1907, after which date the, executors will proceed to distribute the assets of the deceased among the persons entitled thereto and of whose claims they shall then have had notice.
Dated this 23rd day of October, 1907.
BROWETTS; 23; Bayley-lane, Coventry; Solicitors for the Executors.

Source: London Gazette - 25th October 1907

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HAMPTON UTILITIES

70, Great Hampton Street, Birmingham


Hampton Utilities (B'ham) Ltd. - Birmingham - 1959

Hampton Utilities were established in 1945 by Benjamin Levine. The company specialised in the manufacture of reproduction silverware. Benjamin Levine was assisted in the running of the business by his daughter Caroline Summers. Their Registered Trade Mark was 'Belvin Plate'.

They entered the following marks with the Birmingham Assay Office:


Entered in May 1947.


HU - Birmingham - 1967


Entered in May 1975.

Hampton Utilities also entered marks with the Sheffield Assay Office.

Trev.

R.A. HUGHES Ltd.

25, Branston Street, Birmingham


R.A. Hughes Ltd. - Birmingham - 1957

R.A. Hughes Ltd entered their mark, 'R·A·H' contained within an oblong punch with clipped corners, with the Birmingham Assay Office in May 1956 as a Stamper and Piercer.



They also held government contracts for the supply of anodised aluminium cap badges to the British army. Their marks struck on such pieces appear as thus:



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BROMSGROVE GUILD OF APPLIED ARTS

Bromsgrove and Birmingham


Bromsgrove Guild - Bromsgrove - 1901


Bromsgrove Guild - Bromsgrove - 1903


Bromsgrove Guild - Bromsgrove - 1903


Bromsgrove Guild - Bromsgrove - 1904


Bromsgrove Guild - Bromsgrove - 1904

The Bromsgrove Guild of Applied Arts was founded in 1898 by Walter Gilbert, the former Headmaster of the Bromsgrove School of Art, and unlike other Arts and Crafts guilds that were formed around this time, they did not disappear after a few years, but continued in business until 1966. Gilbert gathered around him a remarkable group of craftsmen who were working in a variety of different trades. In 1903 when interviewed by 'The Craftsman' magazine, he stated:

'The members of the Guild are individuals who have advanced beyond the limits of 'professionalism', that they might adopt the more prolific method of thinking and working in their media. These men and women, while they stand pledged to co-operation and mutual support, have individual studios and workshops altogether independent. Each department is financed and controlled separately by the guildsmen of the same department who train their apprentices: choosing and employing only those who are capable of developing the main idea of the master craftsman. The Bromsgrove Guild is practically the outcome of the Arts and Crafts Movement begun in England by Morris and his associates in 1887, with the purpose of imparting to and developing from each material or medium such form and quality as lie within the limits of the material; without imitation of the forms and the technique peculiar to substances of other nature: as is commonly the case in these times of the 'one-man-designs' which emanate from the ateliers and offices of 'a learned profession.'

"It is with the purpose of supplementing and supporting architecture that these guildsmen (each of them a trained or experienced architect or artist) have taken up separate and diverse crafts: each individual developing the possibilities of his own particular medium through the use of the experiences of past ages combined with the advantages of modern inventions and appliances.

"It is in this sense and not in the spirit of L'Art Nouveau that the members of the Bromsgrove Guild, encouraged by the greater part of the leading architects of the United Kingdom, are earnestly and successfully attempting to give appropriate decorative form and quality, combined with utility, to objects designed for service or for ornament in buildings ecclesiastical, secular and domestic.

"The members of the Guild include craftsmen in metals, forged or cast, figure-work, etc.; stucco-duro, plaster in situ or cast; painted and leaded glass; glass-mosaic for external or internal decoration (Westminster Abbey) ; wood and stone carving; furniture; embroideries for hangings and decoration; wood-engraving; jewelry and enamels; and other of the lesser, kindred arts."

The article in 'The Craftsman' later notes:

Another most active section of the Guild is that of jewelry, or rather the goldsmith's craft, as distinguished from the work of the mere framer of precious stones, chosen largely for their commercial value. The recent reform in this art has led to its rapid elevation, until at least one goldsmith, M. Rene Lalique, is honored in his own country as the equal of any contemporary painter or sculptor of his nation, while the world at large recognizes him as the artistic brother and perhaps the superior of Benvenuto Cellini himself. The change and advance in taste now felt throughout Europe and America, are producing a demand for beauty of form and design, rather than for intrinsic value. The pearl, the opal, the moonstone, the aqua-marine, with other gems and stones prized for the play of color which they afford, are the ones most favored by the new order of goldsmiths, who do not repeat a favorite design until its freshness is lost, but who render individual and unique every piece which passes through their hands. The jewelry of the Bromsgrove Guild is produced by two artist-craftsmen who are husband and wife, and whose work is highly commended by the noted critic, Aymer Vallance.

The guild carried out many important commissions, including the railings and gates that enclose Buckingham Palace, the bronze doors of the Bank of England, the Grace gates at Lord's Cricket Ground, the lamp columns in Parliament Street, the Liver Birds that surmount the Royal Liver Building at Liverpool, and much of the ornate metalwork that graced the Lusitania and the RMS Queen Mary.

The guild stated producing jewellery as from 1901 from workshops in Bromsgove, and also silverware, mostly ecclesiastical, and much of this work was produced by the great A. Edward Jones (1879-1954) and can be seen in churches and cathedrals around the United Kingdom.

The guild converted into a limited liability company in June 1922, styled as Bromsgrove Guild Ltd. They suffered greatly from the depression in the 1930's, and this, followed by WWII and loss of skilled hands, saw the business go into decline and it finally closed in 1966.

Some images of the mallet, trowel, and casket, that were used for the laying of the foundation stone by King Edward VII for the new buildings at St Bartholomew's Hospital at London in 1904:









We give illustrations of the trowel, casket, and mallet used by the King for the laying of the foundation stone of the new buildings of St. Batholomew's Hospital. The motif adopted in the trowel is the defeat of Death by Life when helped by Sympathy and Affection. In the blade of the trowel, in the narrow circle of the golden hours, is the figure of Life–“a fair young lusty boy such as they feign Dan Cupid to have been, full of delightful health and lively joy, decked all with flowers and wings of gold fit to employ "--tying the hands of Death the reaper, with the face almost hidden and in the shade. The figure of Life is attended by two little figures representing Love and Sympathy. Above all this arises a rich sheltering canopy, surmounted by the royal crown in gold ; and from this springs again the handle, enriched by the titles of the King, and surmounted by a little figure releasing itself from the thorns or pains of affliction. The motif in the casket is Love bearing another’s burden (as amplified in the corners by the supporting loves), and rising superior to Pain by the little figure wrestling with the thorns.

Source: The Studio - Volume 33 - 1904


Bromsgrove Guild - Bromsgrove - 1904


Bromsgrove Guild - Bromsgrove - 1908

Trev.

BOOTH BROTHERS

43, Northampton Street, Birmingham


Booth Brothers - Birmingham - 1887

Sporting Novelties.– From the ages of stoneclub and flint arrow-head it has been the custom of mankind to value and preserve as " Trophies of the Chase," the varied spoils of the animal world. The hoofs, horns, claws, teeth, or tusks of animals, are particularly suitable for preservation as trophies as memorials of favourite animals that have been possessed and prized as mementos of the hunt, or records of stirring incident and adventure. But the mere fact of saving these is comparatively useless; to be at all lasting and to show their full beauty, they require particularly skilful treatment, both as regards the preserving, and also the mounting into useful and ornamental articles ; this treatment is beyond the knowledge of the ordinary silversmith and electro-plate manufacturer, years of experience and special training being required before competence is gained in this special trade. A representative of this journal called recently on the firm of Booth Brothers, 43, Northampton Street, Birmingham, and was courteously received by Mr. Edward Booth, who having successfully gone through this course of study, holding diplomas and certificates in all branches of science pertaining to it, gives his personal supervision to all the numerous novelties designed and manufactured by the firm. Our representative was very favourably impressed with the evident regard this establishment pays to the wants of customers in the smallest details, any special job entrusted into their hands receiving the most careful attention. As regards the articles produced and the designs used, they are innumerable. Horse-hoofs, cow-hoofs and horns can be mounted into the following different articles : - cruet-frame, liqueur-frame, lamp, candlestick, candelabra, clock, barometer, watchstand, inkstand and pen-rack, letter-clip, letter- weight, letter-scales, call-bell, cribbage-board, epergnes, matchholder, tobacco-jar, snuff-box, spill-cup, brandy-and-soda cruet, cigar holder and ash-tray, whip and gun rack, hat and stick rack, cups and trophies for prizes at agricultural, dairy and horse shows, trotting matches, horse races, &c, &c. Messrs. Booth have a special set of hoofs mounted appropriately for the furnishing of sporting club rooms, hotels, and also supply special drawings when desired. This is only one department we have space enough to notice ; but the stuffing and mounting of fox, otter, deer, horse and rams' heads, dressing, curing and mounting skins, we must leave for some future occasion.

Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 1st October 1888


The New Christmas Card Brooch.–Considering the great rage the sending of Christmas and New Year's cards has become with all classes of society, it is to be wondered that a more lasting and useful souvenir has not been in- troduced in this direction. However, we have just seen a new idea brought out by Messrs. Booth Brothers, 43, Northampton Street, Birmingham (who by the way are always introducing novelties for the jewellery and fancy goods trade), in which a brooch, hairpin, or scarfpin of appropriate design, as shown in engravings, is mounted on a suitable card. This forms the Christmas or New Year's card and is sent in the ordinary way, the receiver taking the article off and wearing it in the usual way as a compliment to the kind thoughts and wishes of the sender. They are made up in gold (coloured and bright), silver, silver-plate, and gilt, and can also be had in antique and oxidised finish. The idea is very taking and as they can be retailed from Is. upwards, their sale is universal. Already large demands have been made on the resources of the manufacturers, both for home and foreign markets, and still larger are expected. They act also as a good window attraction and form a good introduction for other goods. No Christmas stock will be complete without a selection.

Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 1st December 1888


Messrs. Booth and Clutterbuck, chain makers, Northampton Street, have dissolved the partnership hitherto existing between them, Mr. Clutterbuck remaining in the old premises, where he will carry on his share of the trade, and Mr. Booth having cast his lot with his sons, Messrs. Booth Brothers, Northampton Street, the mounters of curios, etc., and thus added that of chain making to their already long list.

Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 1st February 1889


Booth Brothers entered their marks with the Birmingham Assay Office, firstly 'B·BROs' contained within an oblong punch with clipped corners, in January 1884, and secondly 'B.BROS' (the 'ROS' being underlined) in an incuse punch without outline, in January 1889.

Trev.

F.W. MILLER & Co.

18, Harford Street, Birmingham


F.W. Miller & Co. - Birmingham - 1917

Trev.

WRIGHT & HADGKISS

9, Vyse Street, Birmingham


Wright & Hadgkiss Limited - Birmingham - 1957


The well-known house for cheap diamond work, Messrs. Wright & Hadgkiss, Vyse Street, are extending their premises, and making room for another eight workmen. They make a cheap class of diamond work of pretty design at popular prices, and thus cater for a class of customer that I presume has hitherto been unable to afford the genuine article. Their weekly output is, I understand, very considerable in this particular class of work, and their staff of workpeople being now increased to 70, they will be able to meet some large demands. Although several other houses have started in this class of goods during the last few years, there still appears to be an increasing demand for the same, in contradistinction to the other and more expensive class of gem work.

Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 1st August 1889


In the High Court of Justice.–Chancery Division.
Mr. Justice Bennett. 1932, W. 059.
In the Matter of WRIGHT & HADGKISS Limited, and in the Matter of the Companies Act, 1929.
NOTICE is hereby given that a petition for confirming the reduction of the capital of the above Company from £100,000, divided into 37,500 Preference Shares of £1 each and 37,500 Ordinary shares of £1 each, all of which have been issued, and 25,000 unissued shares- of £1 each to £62,500, divided into 37,500 Preference shares of 10s. each and 37,500 Ordinary shares of 10s. each, and 25,000 unissued shares of £1 each was, on the 17th March, 1933, presented to the High Court of Justice and is now pending. And that by an order dated 17th March, 1933, an inquiry was directed as to debts, claims and liabilities of the said Company as on the 17th March, 1933. A list of the persons admitted to have been creditors of the Company for debts, claims and liabilities to which the said inquiry extends on the said 17th March, 1933 (the date fixed by the Order in this Matter, dated 17th March, 1933), may be inspected at the offices of the Company at 9, Vyse Street, Birmingham, or at the office of the undersigned Solicitors, at 3, South Square, Gray's Inn, London, W.C.1, at any time during usual business hours, on the payment of a charge of Is. Any person who claims to have been on the 17th March, 1933, and still to be a creditor of the Company in respect of any such debt, claim or liability and who is not entered on the said list, and claims to be so entered, must, on or before the 7th April, 1933, send in his name and address, and the particulars of his claim, and the name and address of his Solicitor (if any), to the undersigned at 3 South Square, Gray's Inn, London, W.C.1, or in default thereof he will be precluded from objecting to the proposed reduction of capital.–Dated this 23rd day of March, 1933.
PEACOCK and GODDARD, 3, South Square, Gray's Inn, London, W.C.I; Agents for SHAKESPEARE and VERNON, Birmingham, Solicitors for the said Company.

Source: The London Gazette - 24th March 1933


In the High Court of Justice.–Chancery Division.
Mr. Justice Maugham. 1932 W. 059.
In the Matter of WRIGHT & HADGKISS Limited, and in the Matter of the Companies Act, 1929.
NOTICE is hereby given that the Order of the High Court of Justice, Chancery Division, dated the 30th day of May, 1933, confirming the reduction of the capital of the above named Company from £100,000 to £62,500, and the Minute approved by the Court showing, with respect to the share capital of the Company as altered, the several particulars required by the above Act were registered by the Registrar of Companies on the 8th day of June, 1933.
Dated this 12th day of June, 1933.
PEACOCK and GODDARD, 3, South Square, Gray's Inn, London, W.C.1; for SHAKESPEARE and VERNON, Birmingham, Solicitors for the said Company.

Source: The London Gazette - 16th June 1933


WRIGHT & HADGKISS Limited.
Special Resolution (pursuant to Companies Act. 1929, s. 117 (2)).
At an Extraordinary General Meeting of Wright & Hadgkiss Limited, held at 120, Colmore Row, Birmingham 3, on Saturday, the 16th day of February, 1935, the subjoined Resolution was passed as a Special Resolution.
Resolution. "That the Company be voluntarily wound up; and that Ernest Edward Sparshott, of 120, Colmore Row, in the city of Birmingham, Chartered Accountant, be and he is hereby appointed. Liquidator for the purposes of such winding-up."
F. H. JORDAN, Chairman.

Source: The London Gazette - 22nd February 1935


WRIGHT & HADGKISS Limited.
(Members' Winding-up.)
NOTICE is hereby given that a General Meeting of the Members of the above named Company will be held at the offices of Sharp Parsons & Co., Chartered Accountants, 120, Colmore Row, Birmingham, on Monday, the 17th day of February, 1936, at 12 o'clock noon, for the purpose of having an account laid before them and to receive the Liquidator's report, showing how the winding-up of the Company has been conducted and the property of the Company disposed of, and of hearing any explanation that may be given by the Liquidator.
Dated this 9th day of January, 1936.
E. E. SPARSHOTT, Liquidator.

Source: The London Gazette - 14th January 1936

As can be seen by the above advertisement, Wright & Hadgkiss were to survive their financial problems.



Wright & Hadgkiss Ltd. - Birmingham - 1917


Wright & Hadgkiss Ltd. - Birmingham - 1932

Trev.

ALEXANDER MIESCH

105, Vyse Street, later, 56, Great Hampton Street, later, 10, Branston Street, Birmingham


Alexander Miesch - Birmingham - 1892

Alexander Miesch's working period was thought to be c.1886 until at least 1911.

Trev.

Alexander Miesch is listed in the 1881 UK census for Birmingham as a thirty year old German born medallist with a three year old son who was born in Birmingham. He is listed in Kelly's 1883 Birmingham Directory at 10 Warston Terrace, Alfred Road, Hansworth and in 1915 at 10 Branston Street as a Medallist.

W.J. DINGLEY Ltd.

23, later, 77, Warstone Lane, Birmingham



W.J. Dingley Ltd. - Birmingham - 1962


Mr. W.J. DINGLEY
The death has taken place of Mr. William James Dingley, of 15, Westfield Road, Edgbaston. Mr. Dingley, who was a native of Birmingham and belonged to an old Warwickshire family, was in his seventy-sixth year. He established and built up the business of a Masonic jeweller and medallist in Warstone Lane, Birmingham, making jewels for most of the prominent Masons in the country. He was regarded as an authority on the subject of heraldry, of which he had an extensive knowledge.
Mr. Dingley was a prominent Mason, being a Past Master of The Faithful Lodge and a Provincial Officer of Warwickshire.

Source: The Jeweller and Metalworker - 1st September 1932


William James Dingley founded his business in 1885. In May 1961 the business was merged with Toye, Kenning & Spencer Limited. Sadly the Dingley name was dropped in July 1982. The firm continues today, styled as Toye, Kenning & Spencer (Birmingham) Limited.

William James Dingley was born in 1857 at Birmingham, he died on the 21st August 1932 at Birmingham. He married Beatrice Groves in 1886 at Kings Norton.

A copy of the Last Will and Testament of William James Dingley can be found at page two of: Goldsmiths' Wills

William James Dingley entered his mark 'W.J.D' contained within an oblong punch, with the Birmingham and Chester assay offices.


An example of the work and mark of W.J. Dingley:


















W.J.D - Birmingham - 1923

Trev.