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EVW
–
Wilkes, Edward
Villers,
12, Lower Priory, near Colmore Circus, Birmingham, from pre-1829 -
(Slater’s Directory, 1852). By 1884 they were at Brewery Street,
New Town Row. The name is not found in directories after the 1907 merger with
Charles Lee to form Lee
and Wilkes, Brewery Street which continued up to c1939 but use of the trade mark
may have continued after 1907. Part of the family may have
founded John Wilkes, Sons and Mapplebeck Ltd (c1885) of Adderley St. Birmingham
who continued as Mapplebecks until the late 20th century.
Wilkes is
originally described in 1818 as a manufacturer of casting pots, crucibles and
ovens in Upper Temple Street. Later descriptions list him as a wholesale & warming pan maker, wholesale brazier,
coppersmith, pewterer, and dealer in metals. Trade Mark ‘EVW’ across a
milk churn, found on kettles, coppers, saucepans and other copper kitchenware.
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'The firm started as a coppersmiths run by
Messrs. Birch and Villiers. William Villiers, a wealthy magistrate, took on an
apprentice to the firm by the name of Wilkes. Wilkes married Villiers’ daughter
and was taken in as a partner in the firm in 1818, and by 1825 the firm was
known as Villiers & Wilkes. The business had a number of premises changes over
the years, from Moor Street to the Old Square to Brewery Street and Newtown Row,
all in Birmingham. In 1907 the firm amalgamated with Charles Lee of Freeman
Street to become Lee & Wilkes Ltd.' (ack Paul Buxton) |
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Slightly better detail is seen
in this version although the lower part is missing. This company put their
mark is in an unusual position just behind the spout of a kettle body, just
behind the spout, rather than in the usual position on the base where it could get burnt away.
The kettle is of mid to late 19th century manufacture with a cramped
(dovetailed) base. |
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Wilkes mark on a frying pan
(skillet) made by Wilkes and sold by Harrods of London. (Photo courtesy
Chris Cope). |
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L.W. mark of Lee &
Wilkes on a patented coffee percolator with an 1898 design registration and
patent number. This item is sometimes seen with a 'Made in Germany' logo. |
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Mark of Lee &
Wilkes under a copper jug dated 1915, during the 1914-1918 war. All materiel supplied for defence
requirements has to be identified and dated. |
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Part of their exhibition stand at Olympia in
1938 showing that the traditional kettle was still one of their major products.
(Photo courtesy Keith Pinn) |
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