Records of the Albion Iron and Wire Works Company Limited, 1889-1971. The majority of the records concern the everyday running of the Company and one of its associated companies, Myerson Kilby Limited, and comprise ledgers, journals, cash books and estimate and invoice books. Unfortunately no minute books have been deposited. There is a substantial run of order books which give a good account of the range of goods manufactured and the variety of customers served by the company. There are also some records relating to property owned by the Company.
Albion Iron and Wire Works Company Myerson Kilby Limited , sheet metal workersRESTRICTED ACCESS: PERMISSION NEEDED FROM THE SOCIETY.
Records of the Antiquarian Horological Society, comprising: AGM notices, 1966-date (Ms 20510); minutes, 1950-70 (Ms 20511, 20512-13, 20575); lists of members, 1957-67 (Ms 20511A); publicity material, 1954-ca. 1974 (Ms 20514-15); Benjamin Gray's daybook, 1704-26 (Ms 23726); Robert Gardner's commonplace book, ca. 1887 (Ms 29842); and miscellaneous papers, ca. 1915-89 (Ms 29186-7A, 29287, 29292, 30794-4A).
Ms 20514 is a series of printed pamphlets recording the history of the Society in a summary form, 1955-ca. 1974.
They were catalogued at various dates from 1983 by members of Guildhall Library staff. Access to records should be sought from the Society (contact details may be obtained from the enquiry desk).
Antiquarian Horological SocietyRecords of Birch and Gaydon Limited, comprising watch books and job books, ledgers, stock books, repair and sales books, and other financial records, as well as some promotional material.
Birch and Gaydon Ltd , watchmakersRecords of the Antiquarian section of the British Horological Institute, including minutes and papers.
British Horological InstituteThese papers of Francis and George Bent Buckley comprise antiquarian notes compiled by them from 1930 to 1938, chiefly relating to watches and 17th and 18th century London watchmakers.
The records comprise: list of lost watches of London watchmakers, c 1930 (Ms 02921); list of references to 18th-century newspaper advertisements relating to watchmakers, clockmakers and allied trades, c 1934 (Ms 03338); list of British clockmakers working outside London, 1937 (Ms 03355); and alphabetical list of glass sellers, china-men and "potters", 1938 (Ms 03384).
Buckley , Francis , fl 1912-1941 , historianRecords of Charles Frodsham and Company, chronometer, clock and watch makers. The records comprise minutes of the board of directors 1893-1939 and annual general meetings 1894-1939 (Ms 19904); a ledger 1939-55 (Ms 19905), and watch manufacturing books 1876-1910 and 1895-7 (Ms 19906-7).
Charles Frodsham and Co , chronometer, clock and watch makersRecords of Chenderiang Tin Dredging Limited, including articles of association and circulars to shareholders.
Chenderiang Tin Dredging Ltd'Stock books' of an unidentified clock and watch maker, recording manufacturing costs, retail prices and sales of individual clocks, watches and chains; also accounts book recording the costs of components.
Unknown.Records of Daniel Desbois and Sons, watch and clockmakers, comprising a series of ledgers and a series of day books.
Daniel Desbois and Sons , watch and clockmakersThe archive of George Daniels documents his major contribution to horology and include his working papers and drawings, research notes and images for his published books, correspondence photographs and audio-visual material. The records are invaluable to researchers interested in Daniels' own work but also in historical watch and clock makers and tracing of watches, chronometers and clocks.
The earliest document is a volume of Daniels' lecture notes (LMA/4636/A/01/01/001) taken whilst studying at Evening courses at Northampton Polytechnic, St John Street, Islington in 1951-1952 (now City University London). In addition the archive contains: correspondence files, horological exhibition catalogues and papers (series reference LMA/4636/A/04); manuscript and printed technical drawings, calculations and sketches showing the development of the co-axial escapement with Omega and ETA of Switzerland with related patents (series references LMA/4636/A/03 and 04); photographs of Daniels' own watches (series reference LMA/4636/A/05); and Daniels' ledgers containing notes, diagrams and costings on his restoration work, historical watches and his own watches (series reference LMA/4636/A/08).
There are also Daniels' author files with draft manuscripts and research notes for his published books on watch and clockmaking, with photographs of watches used as images and copy business records of Breguet of Paris, France (series reference LMA/4636/B/01); photographs of historical watches and clocks (series references LMA/4636/B/03 and 04), events and studio portraits of Daniels (LMA/4636/D/03); his papers, photographs and video relating to Worshipful Company of Clockmakers (series reference LMA/4636/C); certificates awarded to Daniels (series reference LMA/4636/D/01); collected articles on his life's works and achievements series reference LMA/4636/D/02).
There are also films and video cassettes (series references LMA/4636/D/04 and 05) including talks given by Daniels with his feature in 'Aquarius' produced by London Weekend Television (1976). The archive also includes records of George Daniels Educational Trust (LMA/4636/E), namely Chairman's files on sales and bequests of Daniels' horological collection.
Daniels , George , 1926-2011 , horologistRecords of E Dent and Company Limited, clock and watch makers. The archives in this collection are the surviving business records, covering mainly the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. They are primarily the records of the Strand and Royal Exchange shops - only Ms 18026 and 23823-4 relating to M. F. Dent, 1856-1920, appear to have survived.
They are arranged as follows:
Ownership of company - shares, bonds (Mss 18005-7);
Administration - ledger, balance sheets and accounts, letter books; company management (Mss18008-15);
Business -
(i) stock books and manufacturing books (Mss 18016-26);
(ii) letters patent, specifications and related papers (Mss 18027-40);
(iii) Watch trial certificates, trade mark certificates (Mss 18041-2);
(iv) Drawings of watches, clocks, parts etc. (Mss 18043-52);
(v) Photographs of watches, clocks, parts etc. (Mss 18053-4);
Leases and agreements relating to premises (Mss 18055-64);
Miscellaneous mainly printed (Mss 18065-76);
Records of M. F. Dent (Mss 23823-4).
Records of George Jesse Dawson and his son Percy George Dawson, antique clock case makers and restorers. The records comprise job books and accounts.
Dawson , George Jesse , fl 1906-1959 , antique clock case restorerDay book of clock and watch maker Benjamin Gray.
Gray , Benjamin , fl 1727 , watch and clock makerRecords of the Sri Lanka branch of Harrisons and Crosfield Limited, including correspondence with head office; administrative papers; papers relating to projects including the construction of new lead mills; papers relating to shares; papers regarding tea shipments; and financial accounts.
Harrisons and Crosfield Ltd , traders in tea, coffee, rubber, timber, chemicals, and other agricultural productsRecords of Harrisons and Crosfield Limited, traders in tea, coffee, rubber, timber, chemicals, and other agricultural products. The catalogue includes: corporate records (including articles of association, agreements, minutes and annual reports and accounts); share records; internal administration records (including directories of operations, directors' and general letter books); accounting records; operational records (including reports on estates); branch records (including correspondence and accounts); insurance department records; papers concerning the careers of directors; staff records; premises and property records; historical notes, photographs and plans; records of subsidiary companies, and companies for which Harrisons and Crosfield acted as secretaries and/or agents.
The archive includes records relating to Harrisons and Crosfield's activities as secretaries and/or agents for other companies. As these records were generated as part of Harrisons and Crosfield's role as secretaries and/or agents for another company, they have been catalogued as records of that particular company. However, they comprise correspondence and other papers of the head office of Harrisons and Crosfield, and supporting papers acquired by Harrisons and Crosfield (e.g. memoranda and articles of association, and annual reports and accounts) to assist in that role. The records of the companies for which Harrisons and Crosfield acted as secretaries and/or agents are arranged so that each company is followed by its subsidiary companies (if any).
Access to records less than 30 years old (or records less than 70 years old which relate to staff) should be sought from Elementis plc (contact details may be obtained from a member of staff).
Harrisons and Crosfield Ltd , traders in tea, coffee, rubber, timber, chemicals, and other agricultural productsRecords of Harrisons Ramsay Proprietary Limited, including articles of association; minutes of the board; annual reports; reports on visits to branches; correspondence; memoranda; general reports; financial accounts; summaries of shipments and sales; correspondence regarding arrangements for staff during the Second World War; and papers of various subsidiaries.
Access to records less than 30 years old (or records less than 70 years old which relate to staff) should be sought from Elementis plc (contact details may be obtained from a member of staff).
Harrisons Ramsay Proprietary Ltd , importer of tea and coffeeLecture notes, examination questions and extracts from books relating to watchmaking, compiled by Otto Heinrich.
Heinrich , Otto , fl 1900 , student of watchmakingRecords of Charles Hobson, clock restorer, comprising workshop notes and diagrams (some photocopies) and photographs of Hobson in his workshop.
Hobson , Charles , b 1897 , clock restorerRecords of Hong Kong Tin Limited, including articles of association, annual reports, and circulars.
Access to records less than 30 years old (or records less than 70 years old which relate to staff) should be sought from Elementis plc (contact details may be obtained from a member of staff).
Hong Kong Tin LtdPapers of Cedric Jagger, historian of horology, comprising research notes for Jagger's publication on Paul Philip Barraud; and correspondence relating to clocks and watches to and from Cedric Jagger, arranged alphabetically by correspondent (makers, academics and experts, collectors, dealers, writers and booksellers).
Jagger , Cedric , fl 1968-1988 , historian of horology Barraud , Paul Philip , b 1752 , chronometer makerRecords of J J Lane Limited, engineers, 1873-1957, including letter books, printed catalogues and brochures illustrating the company's products, Sales particulars for disposal of plant, machinery, stores and equipment on winding-up of company and article from journal "Laundry Record and Journal" giving brief history of company.
J J Lane Ltd , engineersThe records of Joseph Preston and Sons, watch, clock and chronometer movement makers, comprise two volumes containing descriptions of parts c 1890-5 and 1892-1914 (Mss 14558, 14560), a cash book 1893-1904 (Ms 14545) and a bank pass book 1907-12 (Ms 14559).
Joseph Preston and Sons , watch, clock and chronometer movement makersRecords of Kellas Limited, comprising board and general meetings minute book.
Kellas LtdRecords of Killinghall (Rubber) Development Syndicate Limited, including articles of association; annual reports and circulars to shareholders.
Access to records less than 30 years old (or records less than 70 years old which relate to staff) should be sought from Elementis plc (contact details may be obtained from a member of staff).
Killinghall (Rubber) Development Syndicate LtdRecords of Killinghall Tin Limited, including articles of association; annual reports and circulars to shareholders.
Access to records less than 30 years old (or records less than 70 years old which relate to staff) should be sought from Elementis plc (contact details may be obtained from a member of staff).
Killinghall Tin LtdBusiness archives of Victor Kullberg, watch and chronometer maker, comprising: operational and financial records, 1857-1947 (Ms 14537-42, 14546-54), and correspondence 1871-1930 (Ms 14543-4).
Kullberg , Victor , fl 1857 , watch makerMarine chronometer rating book kept by C Lupton, watchmaker.
Lupton , C , fl 1850-1873 , watchmakerRecords of P. Wilkinson and Sons Limited including agreements and assignments of business, memorandum and articles of association, certificate of incorporation, account book (1837-1907), order book (1864-1870), mixture and metal book (1853-1897), articles and printed material, premises deeds and papers for Tottenham Street and Tottenham Mews, and 'On National Service' designed brooch.
Philip Wilkinson and Sons , 1793-1936 , metal founders P. Wilkinson and Sons Ltd , 1936-1998 , metal foundersRecords of Parkinson and Frodsham, clock and watch makers, comprising a watch manufacturing book 1872-1925; a register of clocks and watches supplied to retailers 1866-1914 and a record of retail sales 1911-4; clock and watch repair books 1937-45; customer accounts 1923-40 and 1932-45 and lists of customers and manufacturers in the clock and watch trade [1900-1941].
Parkinson and Frodsham , clock and watch makersRecords of Pataling Royalties Limited, tin dredging company, comprising articles of association and circulars to shareholders.
Access to records less than 30 years old (or records less than 70 years old which relate to staff) should be sought from Elementis plc (contact details may be obtained from a member of staff).
Pataling Royalties Ltd , tin dredging companyScotch Mines Company records comprise the original charter of incorporation and a contemporary copy 1729; court minutes 1819-1861; agreements, leases and other papers 1729-1814; list of proprietors 1843; dividend book 1803-32 and 1861; journals 1755-1772 and 1812-1827; treasurer's cash and bill book 1776-1798 and ledgers 1755-1811.
Governor and Company for working mines, minerals and metals in that part of Great Britain called Scotland x Scotch Mines CoJob order books of Edwin Robert Sills, watch and chronometer finisher.
Sills , Edwin Robert , d 1943 , watch and chronometer finisherRecords of clockmakers Ainsworth Thwaites and Company, later Thwaites and Reed Limited. The records comprise daybooks 1780-1955; ledgers, including workmen's time and materials accounts, 1788-1958; estimate and order books 1802-1945; maintenance and repair books 1822-47 and 1874-80; spare parts books 1842-1912; stock books 1814-55 and 1904-54; copy invoice books 1917-20; out-letter book 1919-20; cash books and journals 1812-1951; bank books 1886-1954; and wages books 1828-1931.
Access to Mss 6788/1-6, 6789 and 6791/1-4 is subject to special conditions: for further information ask a member of staff.
Thwaites and Reed Ltd , clockmakers Ainsworth Thwaites and Co , clockmakersRecords of William James Barnsdale and Son, watch and clockmakers, comprising order and repair books and accounts, as well as a pedigree of the family from the 18th to the 20th centuries.
William James Barnsdale and Son , watch and clockmakersRecords of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers, 1503 - 1992, including copies of charters and bye-laws; Court and committee minute books; financial accounts; lists of liverymen; registers of freemen; registers of freedom admissions; registers of apprentice bindings; papers relating to duties and taxes on clocks and watches; papers relating to patents, hallmarks and foreign imports; letter books; Clerk's papers and papers relating to charities. Please note there is no public access to Ms 2710/17-20, Ms 20384 or Ms 22353 without permission from the Company.
The collection includes a number of papers of John Harrison (1693-1776), describing his construction of longitude timekeepers and watches. These papers were catalogued at various dates from 1918 by members of Guildhall Library staff. The records include description, with plans, by John Harrison, of his first longitude timekeeper or"sea clock"; papers relating to the horological inventions of John Harrison, collected by Alexander Cumming (ca. 1732-1814), clockmaker, by virtue of his appointment by Act of Parliament to adjudicate on Harrison's explanation of the mechanisms of his longitude time keeper "H 4"; journal, 1761-6, relating to the testing of John Harrison's chronometer for the determining of longitude at sea in accordance with a statute of 12 Queen Anne, chapt. 15, by Walter Williams; essays, notes and calculations by John Harrison, and his son William Harrison; and letters mainly from William Harrison, statements, cases etc relating to the tests at sea of John Harrison's longitude watches and his efforts to win an award from the Board of Longitude. PLEASE NOTE: Permission is required from the Company for photocopies or photography of Harrison material (whether for private study or for publication). All requests for reproductions for the purposes of publication should also be referred to the Company. More information is available from staff.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING ACCESS: These records are stored at the Guildhall Library site rather than the LMA Clerkenwell site. Researchers wishing to access these records should do so at the Guildhall Library Rare Books table. The Library is open Monday to Saturday, 9:30 to 16:45. Researchers will need to have an Archives History Card or a Library Readers Card. An archivist will be available at Guildhall Library on Thursday mornings to answer any queries.
Worshipful Company of ClockmakersRecords of the Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers, including registers of freedom admissions 1824-1906, 1947-57; apprenticeship indentures and presentments 1666-86; Court minute books; Committee minutes; quarterage books; correspondence, reports, photographs etc relating to craft competitions; menus, orders of service, correspondence and related papers relating to Company functions, dinners, entertainments and services; and financial statements.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING ACCESS: These records are stored at the Guildhall Library site rather than the LMA Clerkenwell site. Researchers wishing to access these records should do so at the Guildhall Library Rare Books table. The Library is open Monday to Saturday, 9:30 to 16:45. Researchers will need to have an Archives History Card or a Library Readers Card. An archivist will be available at Guildhall Library on Thursday mornings to answer any queries.
Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers