Makers & Designers

The firm was established by William Neale in 1850 in the heart of Birmingham's jewellery quarter. It was during this time that small to medium sized purpose built jewellery factories were erected at Warstone Lane. Increased demand for jewellery in the mid-nineteenth century brought more prosperity to the area. William Neale's mark was entered at the Birmingham assay office in April 1862 and at the Chester assay office in September 1882. Later the firm was known as William Neale & Sons to acknowledge the partnership of William Neale senior, William Neale junior & Arthur Neale. New larger premises were required and the firm relocated to a purpose built factory at 29 Warstone Lane, Birmingham (1896). In 1905 the firm became a limited company - William Neale & Sons Ltd. William Neale is noted for producing small to medium sized items crafted from sterling silver - cigarette and vesta cases, vanities, dressing table accessories and cased vanity sets. Ornate silver and oak picture frames, condiment sets, florid Art Nouveau pieces which include magnificent silver serving trays and nurses belt buckles. In 1910 the company moved to 34 Cox Street, St. Paul’s Square, Birmingham. In 1942 the firm was absorbed by Suckling Ltd.