B.H. Joseph & Co. - Birmingham

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B.H. Joseph & Co. - Birmingham

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B.H. JOSEPH & Co.

A topic devoted the important firm of manufacturing goldsmiths, B.H. Joseph & Co. of Birmingham.

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Re: B.H. Joseph & Co. - Birmingham

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THE BIRMINGHAM JEWELLERY TRADE

Among the many trades carried on in the metropolis of the Midlands not the least in importance is the jewellery trade. Many old-established firms, employing several hundreds of hands, are engaged in it, and the products of their industry find their way to the remotest corners of the habitable globe. Among the firms holding a prominent position in the jewellery and electroplale trade are Messrs. B. H. Joseph & Co., of 20 Frederick Street, Birmingham. Their employés number amongst them some of the most skilled workmen whose services it is possible to procure, and the goods which are turned out may be relied on for that thoroughness of workmanship which it is somewhat difficult to obtain in many branches of trade. No article is allowed to pass into stock without the most critical examination, and the slightest fault secures the rejection of any ornament in which a flaw may be discovered. The extent of the business of the firm may be judged from the fact that every day upwards of 100 parcels are sent away by rail and by post, and that at busy periods this number is considerably exceeded. In the jobbing and order departments the firm employ a large number of men and women clerks, and these departments, as well as the approbation department, are specially superintended by one of the partners. The position which Messrs. Joseph & Co. have attained is not only due to the industry and perseverance which characterise the management of the business, but also to the enterprise and tact displayed in providing novelties and discovering the tendency of the public mind for the time being towards any particular fashion in jewellery. Without this close attention to the wants of the public no business can properly succeed; given this attention, success may be said to be almost insured.


Source: The British Trade Journal and Export World - 1st June 1882

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Re: B.H. Joseph & Co. - Birmingham

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Birmingham Jewellery, Electro-Plate, and Kindred Trades

Until a few years since, firms engaged in the jewellery trade in Birmingham were divided into two classes–manufacturers and factors. One of the first, if not the first, to break down this distinction was the well-know firm of B. H. Joseph & Co., of 20, Frederick Street, who now hold a prominent position in the front of the trade in the Midland metropolis as manufacturers. Employing a great number of workmen and a large staff of clerks, a visit to their establishment is not only interesting but exceedingly instructive, showing how easily and smoothly a large and important business can be transacted. Workmen, numbering some hundreds, and spread over the whole jewellery district, are employed by Messrs. Joseph, embracing all classes of skilled workers, both in gold and silver. Their representatives travel in every part of the kingdom, and do business with the best people, and as they have an extensive connection in the Colonies, our readers will see that their business is necessarily a large one.

We had the pleasure a few days back of going over their Birmingham establishment, at a time when the principal work of the day was going on. Quantities of goods were coming in from the workmen in the different stages of manufacture and finished; and from the orders which were in the last process of execution, namely being sent to their destination, one would think that they alone supplied jewellery enough for the whole country. We understand that every day upwards of one hundred parcels are thus sent away by registered post and rail, and at specially busy seasons, considerably over that number.

Entering the melting shop, we were surprised to notice the great mass of silver being reduced to the liquid state, and were informed that besides using a large quantity for their own work, the firm do a considerable business in refining. From there we proceeded to the rough warehouse, which is so-called because into it are brought all kinds of jewellery in the different processes of manufacture, the work being all done outside by what are known in Birmingham as “garret workmen.” The gold, silver, and stones are supplied to the workmen, who afterwards account for them. Great confidence is therefore placed in the men, who form a sober, industrious class.

Every article brought in finished is thoroughly examined before being allowed to pass into stock, and the slightest fault secures the rejection alike of a cheap or a costly article. In the stock room many persons were busily engaged calculating the cost of goods, labelling, carding, marking off, making entries in the stock books, and sending goods to the different representatives of the firm for sale. The strong room is situated here, and it is a marvel of strength, with a great capacity for resisting any attempt of the safe-breaking fraternity.

Passing through the private office, which is situated in the centre, so as to overlook the whole of the offices, we come to the jobbing and order department, where the largest number of clerks, both men and women, are at work. This portion of their business is a special feature with Messrs. Josephs, and one which has earned for them the highest character for promptitude and good work. With this is connected the approbation department, also a special feature, and a prominent one. From the commencement of their business, this as well as the jobbing branch have been industriously promoted, and both departments have consequently attained a superior degree of thoroughness and efficiency. These branches are personally superintended by one of the firm, who makes it his business to see every order attended to, however small.

Walking through the ledger department, where some half dozen clerks are actively employed, we were introduced to the shipping warehouse, where boxes were being dispatched to various countries, notably Australia and the Cape, with which Colonies Messrs. Josephs have extensive connections.

The prominent position this firm has gained is not only due to the industry and perseverance which characterise its management, but also to its enterprise, and the tact displayed in providing novelties and discovering the tendency of the public mind for the time being towards any particular fashion in jewellery. These are qualities which deserve success, and by them Messrs. Josephs will continue to earn the golden opinions of their customers.


Source: The Jeweller and Metalworker - May 1882

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Re: B.H. Joseph & Co. - Birmingham

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B.H. Joseph & Co. - Birmingham - 1880

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Complaints of the supineness of our art workers in the matter of originating designs are (although too often not altogether without foundation) more easily made than answered. It is therefore pleasant to be able to occasionally practically demonstrate the unfounded nature of sweeping charges of this kind. On an advertisement page in our last issue will be found an illustration of a masonic emblem, which in a limited field shows high artistic merit. The jewel is made by Messrs. B. H. Joseph & Co., of Frederick Street, Birmingham, whose name is a sufficient guarantee as to the quality of the workmanship.

Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 1st October 1887

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Re: B.H. Joseph & Co. - Birmingham

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THE CALCUTTA EXHIBITION


Among the most conspicuous examples of the artistic manufactures of Birmingham to be seen at the Calcutta Exhibition, says the Birmingham, Daily Mail, will be a case of best finished jewellery exhibited by Messrs. B. H. Joseph and Co., of Frederick Street. Messrs. Joseph produce nothing but the best finished work, in practical contradistinction to the wares which have, rightly or wrongly, earned the uncomplimentary designation of "Brummagem." Some of the gold and silver goods are works of art in the most literal sense. Messrs. Joseph exercise the greatest care in selecting and matching their precious gems, and the finish upon the gold work is particularly striking. Apart from the more costly gems, Messrs. Joseph have some specialities of their own, notably their renaissance silver jewellery made by the oxydising and gilding process. The card cases, fusee boxes, cigarette cases, and smelling bottles made by this interesting process are beautiful objects of art. There are some exquisite copies of the antique in silver ware, and some very fine Etruscan work. In one compartment will be shown the entire process of jewellery manufacture, from the metal in its rough state to the flattening, piercing, and stamping stages. A die will also be taken out to show the finished work. Among the curiosities of the collection is a large topaz of fine quality nearly two ounces in weight. Some of the silver brooches made by the electro-gilding process are of charming design and workmanship. The case altogether will give a good idea of the best qualities of jewellery Birmingham can produce.

Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - November 1883

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B.H. Joseph & Co. - Birmingham - 1888

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Messes. B. H. Joseph & Co., of Birmingham, have sent us one of their " patented " bracelet-sizers, which is simple as well as ingenious. It is an article which every jeweller must require. We do not remember ever having seen a gauge before that at once measures the wrist and records it with perfect accuracy. It may be objected that being round in form, it cannot measure the wrist, which is oval, but the size between the wrist bones being measured, a bracelet maker having the same gauge to guide him, will be at no loss to work to it, and the little dial on the top of the gauge accurately records the measurement. It is so constructed that, being passed over the wrist, by turning the thumb-screw it is contracted or expanded to the size of the arm, and indicates on a small dial, which forms the head of the " sizer," the size of the bracelet required. Messrs. B. H. Joseph & Co. are to be congratulated on this addition to the useful articles they have already introduced to the trade.

Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 5th May 1883

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Mr. B. H. Joseph, of Frederick Street, in a letter to one of the Birmingham dailies, on compulsory hall-marking says : – " When compulsory hall-marking is abolished, the public, knowing that inferior articles not marked may be put off upon them, will demand goods that bear a guarantee of their quality, and it will be in the interest of the manufacturer to supply the demand. But I do not apprehend that this country will be flooded with inferior silver from other countries any more than it is now. What manufacturers complain of is, that under the present compulsory system, they are prevented making silver goods of less than English sterling quality, and are thereby shut out from competing in other countries where neither our quality nor our marks are needed ; and the sooner this system is abolished the better it will be for the manufacturing silversmiths of Birmingham."

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

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Patents Sealed

Letters Patent which passed the Great Seal on the 1st August 1873

Joseph Joseph, of the firm of B. H. Joseph and Co., Jewellers, of Birmingham, in the county of Warwick, for an invention of " Certain improvements in attachable and detachable dress, flower, or bouquet holders, to be worn as brooches or other personal ornaments."–Dated 6th February, 1873.

Source: The Commissioners of Patents' Journal - 1st August 1873

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Details of a glove fastener, patented by B.H. Joseph & Co. of Birmingham in 1885:

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Messrs. B. H. Joseph & Co. have sent us a new and revised illustrated catalogue of their Primrose League Badges and Ornaments, copies of which they will be glad to issue to the trade free on application. The demand for these goods increases in proportion to the increase in the ranks of the Primrose League, and we understand that Messrs. Joseph & Co. are the only wholesale makers from whom they can be obtained.

Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 1st April 1887

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B.H. Joseph & Co. - Birmingham - 1885


Messrs. B. H. Joseph & Co., of Frederick Street, Birmingham, have just introduced a novelty, the patent " glove button fastener," which can be had made up either in silver or gold. It is a useful and handy article, and we think likely to meet with a ready sale.

Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 5th June 1885

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DISSOLUTIONS OF PARTNERSHIPS

Blanckensee, S and Son.–8 Great Charles-street, and at Glasgow, wholesale jewellers. Abraham Solomon Blanckensee, Aaron Blanckensee, Barnet Henry Joseph. As regards B H Joseph. 6th June 1865.

Source: The Birmingham and District and Sheffield and Rotherham commercial List - 1876

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Messrs. B. H. Joseph & Co., of Frederick Street, Birmingham, have just introduced to the market a transparent solution for preventing silver and other goods from tarnishing. The articles to be protected are dipped in the solution, which quickly dries hard, and leaves the appearance of the goods unchanged ; it can easily be removed. Jewellers and silversmiths should sample this preparation.

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

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Messrs. B. H. Joseph & Co. have added to their already very extensive business at 20, Frederick-street, Birmingham, the connection of Messrs. D. L. Davis and Brothers, manufacturing jewellers, lately carrying on business at premises in Vyse-street.

Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 1st May 1891

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BADGE FOR MAYOR'S CHAIN AT CHESTER

Messrs B.H. Joseph & Co. have just turned out of their workshops a badge to be worn on the Mayor's chain for the city of Chester. The badge is oval in form, and the centre raised slightly as a medallion. The style is Elizabethan. The border consists of fifty very fine brilliants about ½ ct. each, secured in beautifully carved antique settings, and surrounds a plaque emblazoned in enamel with the full armorial bearings of the city of Chester. The supporters, shield, crest, etc., are beautifully wrought and carved out of solid gold, and slightly raised above the surface of the plaque. The back of the badge is also slightly raised, and bears an inscription in blue enamel as follows :–

" Presented to the city by Miss Brown, on her brother, Charles Brown, Esq., being elected Mayor of Chester for the fourth time ; November, 1890."

The material used throughout is 18ct. gold, and the gold is so alloyed and manipulated that no less than five distinct colours or finished surfaces are produced. The heraldic enamels are tinted and subdued to correspond with these colours, so that the great beauty of the badge consists in the manner in which the different colours (which if worked up in the ordinary style would have been incongruous) are grouped and graduated. Messrs. B. H. Joseph and Co. have been much pleased to receive a copy of the subjoined letter from the donor to their customers, Messrs. Lowe and Sons, 6, Bridge-street-row, Chester (the oldest, jewellery house in the North of England).

" Messrs. Lowe and Sons, Chester.

" Dear Sirs,–I must thank you for executing the medallion so beautifully. I was very fastidious and troublesome about seeing each detail, but the result is perfection, and I am quite satisfied. My eldest brother and Mr. Sutcliffe are the same. It is exquisite ; so nicely carried out, and just what I wished. Will you convey to your Birmingham correspondents my appreciation of their work, and thank them for the trouble they took in sending it in time. It will remain for ever a specimen of jeweller's work. Again thanking you–Believe me, very sincerely yours,

" Nessie Brown.
" Boughton, Dec. 26th, 1890."


Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 2nd February 1891

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An example of the work and mark of B.H. Joseph & Co., a souvenir spoon from Carlisle, assayed at Birmingham in 1902 and bearing a Registered Design Number from 1897:

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http://www.925-1000.com/registry.html

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Re: B.H. Joseph & Co. - Birmingham

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Notice is hereby given, that the Partnership lately subsisting between us the undersigned, Joseph Lezard, and Edward Joseph Lezard, and Myer Lewis Isaacs, and Annie Levi, and Barnet Henry Joseph, and Joseph Joseph, carrying on business as General Merchants, at Du Toit’s Pan-road, Kimberley, South Africa, under the style of L. Courlander and Co., has been dissolved, by mutual consent, as from the 25th day of May, 1887.

Dated this 29th day of July, 1887.

Joseph Lezard.
Edward J. Lezard.
M. L. Isaac's.
Annie Levi.
B.H. Joseph.
J. Joseph.

Witness to the signatures of Barnet Henry Joseph and Myer Lewis Isaacs ;–Hermann H. Myer, 30 and 31, New Bridge-street, Solicitor, E.C.
Witness to the signature of Joseph Joseph:- Edward Rowlands, Solicitor, 71, Colmore-row, Birmingham.
Witness to the signatures of Joseph Lezard, Edward Joseph Lezard and Annie Levi:- Hermann H. Myer.


Source: Cape of Good Hope Government Gazette - 18th November 1887

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Re: B.H. Joseph & Co. - Birmingham

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Messrs. B. H. Joseph & Co., of 20, Frederick Street, Birmingham are quite in full swing, manufacturing their latest designs in moonstone and diamond jewellery, of which they report that the demand exceeds the supply, and which demand they expect will last until the market is glutted by other manufacturers, who "go and do likewise"–an estimated period of some six weeks from the introduction of similar novelties. This jewellery is likely to have quite a run during the winter season; it is certainly very chaste and very beautiful, and the workmanship – Well, the name of the firm is a sufficient guarantee of that.

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

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