"BARRINGER WALLIS & MANNERS"
"METAL BOX COMPAGNY"
The company grew out of a local spice and condiment grinding firm owned
by David Cooper Barringer in the 1830s. Mustard seed milling was included
in the spice grinding and it believed that had been carried on in the area since the 1820s.
It was marketed in wooden kegs for larger quantities and in smaller tins.
The tins were initially made in small numbers by hand.
Upon David’s death his brother Robert purchased the business and later his son,
Walter joined the company. In 1873 a fire in the Valley destroyed many of
the buildings but the mustard mill and tin shop were spared
and allowed Barringer to expand his business by marketing
tin boxes with decorated surfaces. Prior to this the tins were decorated
with coloured paper labels stuck onto them. In 1897 Issac Henry Wallis
joined the firm and was renamed Barringer and Company.
The company began to develop the idea of decorating the metal
tins and boxes and Queen Victoria’s Jubilee was
a great opportunity to impress with a pictorial box.
Superb lithographed tinplate mantel clock decorated with oriental characters.
Clock complete
with original key, in full working order.
Winding system in excellent condition.
Period late 19TH and early 20TH.
Excellent condition just a few slight traces of use.
(See photo)
Height: 10.43 Inches (26,5cm)
Width: 4.33 Inches (11 cm)
Length: 13.97 Inches (35,5 cm)
020709174