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Birmingham WL maker's mark

Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2011 6:36 am
by MikeG
Hi, I have just joined from UK and wonder if anyone could identify this Birmingham maker's mark?

It is on a Double Albert watch chain from my late Grandfather discovered amongst some family pieces recently.
The other marks are for Birmingham 1911.

The picture shows the WL in separate joined circles (look like parentheses on the picture due to wear). I have searched extensively on the web but no luck in identifying it. Luckily I found your excellent forum.

Image

Many thanks in advance,

Mike.

Re: Birmingham WL maker's mark

Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2011 5:01 am
by MikeG
Had a reply from the Assay Office...

The ‘WL’ initials belonged to William Lewis first registered in 1897 as a Chain Maker/ Manufacturing Jeweller, had two addresses one being Roseberry Avenue, London, the other Northampton Street Birmingham.

Thought I'd post it as it may be useful as a future reference to others.

Mike.

Re: Birmingham WL maker's mark

Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2011 5:42 am
by 2209patrick
Thanks for sharing that information Mike.

Pat.

Re: Birmingham WL maker's mark

Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2011 3:53 am
by dognose
William Lewis is recorded in 'The Jeweller and Metalworker' annual of 1917, as a manufacturer of chains and rings with a London showroom or agency located at 45, Rosebery Avenue, EC.

Trev.

Re: Birmingham WL maker's mark

Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 5:39 pm
by MikeG
Thanks for the extra info Dognose; our family was living in London at that time. I think that we can assume that his factory was in Birmingham where the goods were Hallmarked and then sold in his London Branch or agency.
Mike.