MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES (BIRMINGHAM AND DISTRICT.)
BY C. J. WOODWARD, B.Sc.
In the following pages an attempt is made to give to the reader some
idea of the extent and variety of the manufactures of our town and
neighbourhood. The method followed is to state at the outset the
classes of material which come into the town, and to follow these in
the mind’s eye through smelting furnace, forge, or workshop, until they
come out in a wonderful variety of articles, one or more of which will
ultimately be found in the possession of every nation of the earth. To
carry out the proposed method with fulness and accuracy would require
a strict blockade of the town, similar to that adopted for collecting
town dues in continental towns with agents to report the quantities
and qualities of the goods passing in and out. Failing this, we may,
through the agencies of the railway and canal companies obtain at least
some idea of the character and extent of our trade.
In preparing some statistics relating to goods brought into and
taken out of the town, I am particularly indebted to the courtesy of
Mr. Henry Wiggin, M.P., one of the directors of the Midland Railway,
and also to Mr. John Noble, general manager of that railway; Mr. J.
Grierson, general manager of the Great Western Railway; and Mr. G.
Findlay, general manager of the London and North Western Railway. Mr.
W. Pilcher, of the Birmingham Canal Navigations, and Mr. George, of the
Birmingham and Worcester Canal, have also been good enough to supply
information. In considering the traffic of our town we must remember
that Birmingham is not only a manufacturing centre but a distributor of
goods which arrive here in bulk. This, coupled with the circumstance
that, from its inland position, there is a great deal of through
traffic, renders it difficult to obtain such satisfactory figures as I
hoped to have done when I commenced this work.
Statement of principal classes of goods coming into and going out of
Birmingham by railway during the year 1885, with weight in tons of each
class.
INWARDS.
Coal and Coke 897541
Lime 5327
Limestone, Bricks, &c. 14315
Glass 7689
Iron and Steel 115874
Tin Plates and Zinc 10382
Spelter or Zinc 22564
Hardware and Miscellaneous 134204
Stone 15621
Timber 63591
Paper Making Materials 5550
Drugs and Drysaltery 14867
Grain 126783
Grocery and Provisions 61888
Leather 3599
OUTWARDS.
Bedsteads 34976
Brass & Copper, Ingot and Wire 4697
Galvanised Wire and Ware 11705
Glass 6151
Hardware and Lamps 110597
Iron and Metal Tubes 13570
Iron Wire and Sheet 2999
Iron Castings 9166
Nails 18936
Rolled Metal 7619
Paper and Stationery 9490
Machinery }
Hides and Leather } 33754
Miscellaneous }
From one wharf alone in Birmingham there were delivered into the town
by canal last year about 40,000 tons of various goods, of which the
following will serve as examples--Timber, 3810 tons; salt, 443 tons;
metals, 3948 tons; road stone, 10,821 tons; potatoes, matches, mill
stones, glue and groceries, 1221 tons, whilst traffic over one of
the canals in the course of the year was 7,327,269 tons, including
merchandise, 972,749 tons; pig iron, 586,434 tons; coal, 3,333,865
tons; iron stone, 495,912 tons; sand, 115,791 tons; lime and limestone,
140,828 tons; road materials and manure, 525,249 tons; and bricks,
460,359 tons.
=Nature of the Manufacturing Industries of Birmingham and the
District.=--It is difficult, if not impossible to classify
satisfactorily the varied industries of Birmingham and the district.
The one adopted has as its basis, the raw materials of different kinds
as used up in the trades of the town. In order to obtain information
as to progress of the trades, or change in their character, I have
extracted from Kelly’s Directory of 1864 the number of each trade as
then given, and compared it with the number in the last Directory
published, viz., 1884:--
TRADES OF BIRMINGHAM AND THE COUNTIES OF STAFFORDSHIRE, WARWICKSHIRE,
AND WORCESTERSHIRE.
=I=.--=Production of Materials from Ores, including Chemicals.=
A.--NON-METAL.
No. in Directory.
1864 1884
Black Lead 2
[41]Chemicals 33 54
Colour Grinders and Manufacturers 29 51
Glue, Isinglass 6 7
[42]Mungo 0 1
Optical Glass 1 1
Paper 31 21
Ice 0 1
Glass 41 62
B.--METAL AND ALLOY.
No. in Directory.
1864 1884
Alloy Makers 0 1
Aluminium 0 1
Brass and Yellow Metal 0 6
Copper 7 10
German Silver 14 10
Iron 88 103
Nickel & Cobalt 2 2
Steel 18 21
II.--=Finished Articles.=
A.--NON-METAL.
No. in Directory.
1864 1884
Barometer and Thermometer 2 4
Leather Articles 28 57
Bicycle Saddle 0 3
Wholesale Boot and Shoe 11 42
Clay--
Pottery, Encaustic Tiles,
Terra Cotta, Parian 43 43
Telegraph Insulator 0 1
Ivory, Pearl, and Bone Workers 59 54
Chocolate 2 6
Floor Cloth 2
India Rubber Goods 5 14
” ” Stamps 0 3
Bristle, Fibre, Hair, Feathers--
Besom 1 1
Chimney Sweeping Machines 0 2
Hearse Plume 1
Whip 35 33
Brushes 88 106
Cotton 2 4
Measuring Tape 7 6
Wooden Articles--
Boxes (and Paper) 27 77
Clock Case 11 7
Cork Cutters 9 12
Clog and Patten 85 127
Rules 37 23
Picture Frames 40 99
Tobacco Pipe 29 18
Railway Carriage 11 13
Bellows 10 14
Casting Mould Pattern Makers 30 27
Glass Articles--
Lighthouse 1 1
Bottle, Plate and Window,
Decanters, Tumblers, &c.,
Looking Glass, French Shade 50 65
Toys 13 3
Artificial Eyes 1 6
Horn--
Lantern Leaf 5 0
Combs 6 4
Paper and Pulp--
Paper 31 21
Papier Mâché 19 15
Black Ornament 0 24
Account Books 10 20
Bags 4 16
Gun Wads 6 4
B.--METAL.
No. in Directory.
1864 1884
Gold--
Chains 43 50
Brooches and Jewellery 346 472
Pencil Case 21 21
Ring 3 29
Leaf 20 14
Watch Case 10 43
Silver--
Spoons, &c., Lockets,
Bracelets, &c. (Silversmiths) 51 103
Leaf
Reflectors (Plate) 1 6
Copper--
Pans, Kettles, &c., Sugar
Pans (Coppersmiths) Tubes 21 20
Plate Engraving 2 18
Wire
Lightning Conductors 0 4
Percussion Cap 5 4
Lead--
Pipes 0 1
Pumps
Iron and Steel--
Anchors 12 22
Bedsteads (Metal) 51 48
Bicycles
Bird Cage & Wire Work 44 59
Bridle Bit 104 67
Boarding Pike 1 2
Boilers
Buckles 25 25
Nuts and Bolts 19 81
Chain 45 131
Coach Furniture, &c. 60 48
Coffin Furniture 17 14
Corkscrew 17 16
Door Spring 4 6
Earth Boring App. 0 1
Forge (Portable) 3 2
Frying Pan 7 9
Fencing Foil 0 1
Fender 45 55
Fire Irons 57 55
Fish Hook 68 36
Gun (27 Branches) 553 424
Gas Holder 8 5
Gas Meters 1 1
Hair Pin 6 7
Hammer 18 12
Handcuff 3 4
Hyd’lic Machinery 1 2
Hinge (and Brass) 47 51
Hollow Ware 10 23
Hooks
Hook and Eye 14 13
Ladle
Roofing 8 15
Tanks 12 20
Boats 9 9
Bridge 9 12
Girder 7 9
Jews Harp 6 8
Keys 87 140
Lance and Javelin 1 1
Locks (13 Br’nch’s) 164 252
Lasso Rings
[43]Matchet 4 6
Mariner’s Compass
Needles (7 Br’nch.) 172 126
Nutcrackers 3 10
Nailmakers 207 235
Pens 18 19
Pen Holder 16 14
Quoit Makers
Quicksilver Bottle Rings
(Split, &c.) 13 16
Scale and Weight 25 25
Screws 71 42
Sewing Machines 10 30
Spectacle Frames 9 16
Safes 15 27
Spring Makers 8 14
Spring Mattress 0 2
Steel Toy 58 39
Sword 17 4
Toasting Fork
Tack
Umbrella & Parasol Furniture 12 11
Vice 49 32
Brass--
Ammunition cases 1 2
Bedsteads
Belt clasp 7 3
Coach beading 5 4
Candlestick 12 9
Coach handles 2 5
Cocks 29 35
Chandelier 40 51
Church Furniture 4 6
Clock movements
Cornice pole 3 12
Curtain hook 0 10
Curtain ring 4 14
Door bolts
Door handles
Electrical bell & apparatus 2 7
Fog signal 1 1
Ferrule
Gas burner 4 4
Gauge 6 13
Mathematical inst. 10 10
Military ornament 12 15
Paper fasteners
Roasting jack 7 2
Stair rod (case) 6 7
Theatrical jewellery 0 1
Thimble 13 12
Watches (29 branches)
496 790
Tin Plate--
Coffin Furniture 17 14
Dish Covers 1 7
Grocers’ Canisters 2 2
Lamps
Baths
Cooking Utensils
Candlesticks
Tin Alloys, hard and soft--
Beer Engine 19 10
Bells 10 17
Dram Flask
Medals
Measures, Tankards
Composition Pipe
Stencil Plates
Tea Pots
Cream Jugs, &c.
Britannia Metal Ware
Manufacturers 20 13
German Silver--
Cruet Frames
Tea Pots
Spoons, &c.
Electro-plated Ware &
Electro-platers & Gilders 110 215
Dessert Knife & Fork
Implements and Tools used in Manufactures.
Awl Blade, Auger, Anvil, Brace and Bit, Bookbinders’ Tools, Bellows,
Bullet Mould, Brushes, Coach Wrench, File Cutter, Glaziers’ Diamond,
Gun Implements, Hammer, Hoe, Iron Ladle, Last and Boot Tree, Nails,
Rivet, Saw, Screw, Tack, Gimp Pin, &c., Vice, Press Tools, Punches.
Dependent Manufactures and Processes.
A.--NON-METAL.
Box Makers (Wood), Box Makers (Paper), Brick (Fire), Bookbinding,
Casting Pot and Crucible, Emery and Glass Cloth Paper, Embossed Paper,
Engravers (Block), Felt, Glass Mould, Jewellery Case, Lamp Wick,
Lithography, Printing, Pitch Paper, Pearl Workers, Rouge, Rope and
Twine, Sealing Wax, Tortoise Shell Workers.
Dependent Manufactures and Processes.
B.--METAL.
Assayers, Bronze Powder, and Gold and Silver Leaf, Die Sinkers, Iron
and Steel Hoop, Letter Cutters, Music Smith, Rollers, Refiners, Sweep
Smelters, Water Tuyere Iron Manufacturers, Weavers’ Mail.
Processes carried on for the Trade.
Brass Polishers, Buckle Plater, Chasers, China Decorators, Coach
Painters, Dippers and Silverers, Diamond Cutter, Engravers and
Woodcutters, Enamellers, Electrotypers, Electro-platers, Engine
Turners, Galvanisers, Glass Quicker, Glass Painters, Glass Grinders,
Glass Benders, Glass Cutters, Harness Platers, Iron Planers, Iron
Casters, Iron Braziers, Jewellers’ Stampers, Jewellers’ Glass Cutter,
Lapidaries, Metal Spinners, Metal Perforators, Metal Fluters, Machine
Rulers, Magic Lantern Slide Painter, Stereotypers.
Dealers and Merchants.
Asbestos, Carozo Nut, Cotton Waste, Copper and Metal, Grindstone, Iron,
Salt.
Variety of Materials used in the Manufactures.
It may be expected that in a variety of manufactures, such as those
just given, numerous materials would be required. In order to ascertain
as far as possible what materials are used in the town, circulars were
sent out to many firms, and from information supplied, in reply to
these circulars and from other sources, the following list has been
prepared.
STATEMENT OF MATERIALS USED IN THE MANUFACTURES OF BIRMINGHAM AND THE
DISTRICT.
NOTE.--After the name of the material, which is printed in small
capitals, is given in ordinary type the trades, or a few typical ones,
in which the material is used.
ORES.
ANTIMONY.--Nickel and cobalt refining.
BROWN IRON ORE.--Gas works.
COPPER PYRITES--(SPANISH ORE).--Copper extraction and refining,
sulphuric acid works.
COBALT AND NICKEL.--Nickel and Cobalt refining.
HÆMATITE.--Iron smelting, nickel and cobalt refining, malleable iron
casting, polishing works.
GALENA.--Refining lead slags and products.
IRON PYRITES.--Sulphuric acid manufacture.
MANGANESE OXIDE.--Weldon’s process for chlorine.
TIN ORE.--Nickel and cobalt refining, bedstead manufacture, tin plate
works.
METALS.
ANTIMONY.--Britannia metal works, pewter working, stereotyping,
engineers’ brassfounding.
ALUMINIUM.--Aluminium bronze, metal beating, pen and pencil case, gauge
making, sewing machine.
BISMUTH.--Engineers’ brassfoundry, solder making.
COPPER.--Alloy makers, coppersmiths, copper and brass tube works, gas
fitting, railway carriage works, brass founding, stereotyping, nail
making, gun making, roast jack, clocks, electro works, jewellers,
mathematical instrument makers.
GOLD.--Jewellery, gilt toy, thimble making, brassfounding, chains,
spectacles, watch chains and cases, electro-plate, gun making, swords,
pens.
IRON and STEEL.--All trades.
LEAD.--Chemical manufactures, alloy makers, pewter and Britannia
metal, nickel and cobalt refining, electro-plate, whip, pen,
nail, stereotyping, india rubber stamps, railway carriage, gun,
brassfounding, thimble, ship’s log.
MAGNESIUM.--Mathematical instrument.
NICKEL.--Electro-plate, pen and pencil, stereotyping, whip button,
needle, sword, photo-frames, fire-irons, tin plate, sewing machine,
coach furniture and harness, bicycle, steam gauge.
PLATINUM.--Mathematical instrument, nickel and cobalt refining,
photo-frames, electro-plate, wedding ring, thimble, brassfounding.
IRIDIUM and PALLADIUM.--Pen and pencil.
QUICKSILVER.--Optical instrument, nickel and cobalt refining,
stereotyping, thimble and whip, gauge, electro-plate, art metal, clock.
SILVER.--Silversmith, jewellery, carriage furniture, whip mounts,
sword, electro-plate, hook and eye, mathematical instrument, gun,
silver plating, button, stereotyping, spectacles, chains, bedstead,
thimbles.
TIN.--Cocoa, stereotyping, whip, rolled metals, toilet pin, nail,
needle, railway carriage, mathematical instrument, tool making, gas
meters, roasting jack, engineers’ brassfounding, axle boxes, clock,
bedstead, thimble, gauge, electro-plate, brassfounding, wholesale boot
and shoe.
TIN PLATE.--Various branches of the tin plate trade, ship’s log, steam
gauge, art metal, nickel and cobalt refining, button, cocoa, printing,
electro-plate, needle.
ZINC and SPELTER.--Brass and alloy makers, yellow and sheathing metal,
thimble, whip, art metal, galvanising, copper extraction, button,
stereotyping, alkali, electro-plate, nail, watch chain.
NOTE.--The applications of the compound metals or alloys, such as
BRASS, BRITANNIA METAL, BELL METAL, GERMAN SILVER, GUN METAL, PHOSPHOR
TIN, FERRO-MANGANESE, HARD AND SOFT SOLDERS, and others, are not
given for want of space. The most important trades consuming metal in
the form of leaf and powder--GOLD LEAF, SILVER LEAF and BRONZES--are
bedstead manufacturing, picture frame making, japanning, lithography,
art metal work (planishing.)
ACIDS.
ACETIC (VINEGAR).--Gelatine manufacture, button, lithography, whip,
sword, art metal, gas fitting, bedsteads.
BORACIC.--German silver, electro-deposition.
CARBOLIC.--Gelatine, soap, ammunition works.
CITRIC.--Lithography, art metal.
HYDROFLUORIC.--Glass, gas fitting, nickel and cobalt works, button
making, railway carriage.
HYDROCHLORIC (MURIATIC or SPIRITS of SALT).--Metal trades generally,
gas manufacture, gelatine, printing, chemical trades, railway carriage.
HYDROCYANIC.--Button, pen and penholder, electro-plate.
NITRIC (AQUA FORTIS).--Metal trades generally, especially brass,
gelatine, button, whip, sword, gun, hook and eye.
OXALIC.--Tin plate, art metal work, button, tool making, whip, pen and
penholders, wholesale boot and shoe trade.
PYROGALLIC.--Gas manufacture, art metal.
SULPHURIC (OIL OF VITRIOL).--Iron wire, nails, bedsteads, button, pen,
gelatine, chemical trades, soap, hook and eye, tin plate, brass trades,
gun, whip, sword.
TARTARIC.--Gelatine, nickel and cobalt, art metal.
CHEMICALS.
AMMONIA and AMMONIUM SALTS.--Gas manufacture, brass trades generally,
galvanising, buttons, tin plate, printing and lithography, nails, paper.
ARSENIOUS ANHYDRIDE or WHITE ARSENIC.--Brass founding, chandelier,
electro-plate, buttons.
ALUM.--Gelatine, paper, rolled metal, buttons, wholesale boot and shoe.
BORAX.--Metal trades generally, jewellers, gelatine.
COPPER SULPHATE or BLUE STONE.--Iron wire, electro-plate, buttons,
fibre dressing, printing.
GLYCERINE.--Gas fittings, soap, printing.
IODINE.--Copper extraction.
IRON SULPHATE or COPPERAS.--Buttons, fibre dressing, brass founding,
emery paper, wholesale boot and shoe, rouge manufacture.
LEAD ACETATE (SUGAR OF LEAD).--Gelatine, buttons, tin plate works, oil
and colour works.
MERCURIC CHLORIDE (CORROSIVE SUBLIMATE).--Buttons, jewellery, optical
instruments, gold beating.
NICKEL SULPHATE.--Trades in which nickel plating is used, bicycles,
sewing machines, bridle bit, &c.
POTASSIUM SALTS (CAUSTIC POTASH, CYANIDE, CARBONATE, SAL ENIXUM,
FERROCYANIDE, FERRIDCYANIDE, PERMANGANATE, BICHROMATE, CHLORATE, ARGOL
or TARTAR).--Brass founding, electro-plate, bedstead, jewellery,
gelatine, glass, buttons, soap, whip, tin plate.
PLATINUM CHLORIDE.--Electro-plate, buttons, optical instruments.
SODIUM SALTS (CAUSTIC SODA, CARBONATE, BROWN ASH, ACETATE, SALT,
SULPHATE).--Brass founding, jewellery, alloys, electro-plate, fibre
dressing, tin plate, soap.
SULPHUR.--Chemical works, rolled metal works, sword, tin plate.
ZINC SALTS (CHLORIDE, SULPHATE).--Gelatine, buttons, printing.
PIGMENTS.
BRUNSWICK GREEN, CARMINE, CHROME YELLOW, COBALT, GAMBOGE, INDIAN RED,
INDIGO, IVORY BLACK, LAMP BLACK, OCHRE, ORANGE CHROME, ORPIMENT,
PRUSSIAN BLUE, RED LEAD, SCHEELE’S GREEN, SMALTS, UMBER, ULTRAMARINE,
VERDIGRIS, VERMILION, YELLOW OCHRE, ZAFFRE, ZINC WHITE, WHITE
LEAD.--(Red and white lead are used for lutes as well as for pigments,
red lead too is largely consumed in the manufacture of flint glass).
Brass founding, tin plate works, japanning, bedsteads, lithography,
brush works, coach and carriage works, buttons, ammunition works,
cycles, art metal work.
STONES.
QUARRY STONES, LIMESTONE, BILSTON and DERBY (GRIND) STONES,
LITHOGRAPHIC STONE, WHETSTONE, RAGSTONE, WATER OF AYR STONE, TURKEY
STONE, ARKANSAS.--Iron smelting, chemical works, nickel and cobalt
refining, sword, edge tool, and tool grinding generally, printing and
lithography, tin plate, brass founding, gun, button, sword, art metal,
electro-plate.
APATITE, SOMBRERITE, and NATIVE PHOSPHATES.--Phosphorus manufacture.
FLUR SPAR.--Alloys, engineers’ brass foundry, roasting jack,
hydrofluoric acid manufacture.
MICA.--Gas fitting, stove makers, brass founding, ship’s log, optical
instrument.
FELSPAR.--Pottery, art metal.
ROCK CRYSTAL.--Spectacle manufacture, art metal, electrical apparatus,
optical instrument.
AGATE, BLOODSTONE, HÆMATITE.--As burnishers in many trades.
DIAMOND BORT.--Diamond cutting, lapidary work, spectacle manufacture,
railway carriage.
DIAMOND.--Jewellery, glaziers’ diamond manufacture.
AMBER, AMETHYST, CROCIDOLITE, GARNET, OPAL RUBY, SAPPHIRE, CARNELIAN,
TOPAZ, &C.--Cut stones in jewellery, lapidary work, watch and clock
manufacture, art metal work, electro-plate, whip, fine wire drawing.
GUMS.
ARABIC.--Brass founding, printing and lithography, optical instrument,
electro-plate, pen, whip, light metal trades, wholesale boot and shoe.
BENZOIN.--Wire mattress, railway carriage.
COPAL.--Button, printing and lithography, electro-plate, needles,
optical instruments.
DAMAR.--Button, optical instruments.
DEXTRINE.--Printing and lithography, pen and penholders, optical
instrument, thimble.
GUTTA PERCHA.--Electro-plate, brass founding, railway carriage,
printing and lithography, rolled light brass metal work, needle,
thimble, wholesale boot and shoe.
INDIA RUBBER.--Vulcanised India rubber works.
MASTIC.--Buttons, printing and lithography, tin plate.
SANDARAC.--Buttons, printing.
SHELL-LAC.--Lacquer manufacture, brass founding, light metal work,
railway carriage, pen and penholder, whip, button, printing and
lithography, sword, optical instrument, roasting jack, thimble,
electro-plate.
TRAGACANTH.--Printing and lithography, wholesale boot and shoe trade.
OILS, VARNISHES, &c.
ANIMAL OILS (LARD, NEAT’S FOOT, SPERM, SEAL, WHALE, TALLOW,
TRAIN).--Rolled metal, electro-plate, buttons, pen and penholder,
nails, fire irons, bedstead, wedding ring, brass founding, gas
manufacture, printing and lithography, optical instrument, alloy
making, railway carriage, engineers’ brass founding, soap, wholesale
boot and shoe.
VEGETABLE OILS (COLZA, COCA NUT, LINSEED, RAPE, OLIVE, PALM,
PINE).--Gas manufacture, fibre and brass dressing, printing and
lithography, electro-plate, rolled metal, tin plate, carriage
furniture, optical instrument, soap, paper, button, alkali works, iron
wire, bedstead.
MINERAL OILS (PETROLEUM, PETROLINE, COAL SHALE).--Fibre dressing, brass
founding, gas manufacture, spectacles, lapidaries’ work, lithography
and printing, railway carriage.
BENZOLINE, BISULPHIDE OF CARBON, COAL NAPHTHA, ETHER, METHYLATED
SPIRIT, SPIRITS OF WINE, TAR SPIRITS, TURPENTINE, TEREBINE, WOOD
NAPHTHA.--Papier mâché, japanning, lacquer, printing and lithography,
electro-plate, button, thimble, cycle, whip, soap, brassfounding,
railway carriage, bottle jack, optical instrument.
ASPHALTUM, BITUMEN, GOLD SIZE.--Printing and lithography, tin plate,
papier mâché, bedstead, picture frame, ornamental glass, brassfounding,
art metal.
PITCH, RESIN.--Soap, electro-plate, tin-plate, bedstead, carriage
furniture, printing and lithography, thimble, paper, brassfounding,
wholesale boot and shoe trade.
VARNISHES (COPAL, MASTIC, JAPAN, PONTYPOOL).--30 or 40 varieties are
known in the trade, the names often implying the purpose for which
the varnish is used as coach-body varnish, oak varnish, undercoating,
finishing, &c. Coach and carriage works, house decoration, furniture,
tin-plate, papier mâché, bedstead, coffin furniture, fog signal cases,
iron hollow-ware, enamel leather.
LEATHERS AND FABRICS.
BASIL or SHEEP SKIN, BUFFALO, BULL NECK, CALF, CROCODILE, COW
HIDE, DOG FISH, DONKEY, GNU, HORSE HIDE, KANGAROO, PIG SKIN,
RUSSIAN, SKIVERS, CHAMOIS, or WASH LEATHER, SEA HORSE, or WALRUS,
VELLUM.--Wholesale saddlery and leather trades generally, wholesale
boot and shoe trade, polishing in the metal trades, parts of articles
in the electro-plate, tin plate, whip, and many other trades.
BUCKRAM, CLOTH, FLANNEL, PLUSH, SATIN, SILK, VELVET.--Railway carriage
works, tin plate, brassfounding, button, needle, optical instrument,
cocoa, leather trades.
FELT.--Corrugated iron, brassfounding, light brass rolled metal works,
railway carriage works, printing and lithography, electro-plate, art
metal, optical instrument, glass polishing.
PAPER.--Paper box trade, papier mâché, wrapping up in all trades.
WOODS.
ASH, BAYWOOD, BEECH, BIRCH, ELM, FIR, MAPLE, OAK, PINE, TEAK.--One or
more of them used in most trades, railway carriage, cabinet, tin plate,
brass founding, edge tools, clog, electro-plate.
BEEF WOOD.--Gun trade, ramrod.
BLACKTHORN.--Whip.
BOXWOOD.--Used in metal trades, generally for chocks.
CEDAR.--Railway carriage, cabinet, pen and penholder, needle, art
metal, optical instrument.
COCUS WOOD.--Optical instrument.
EBONY.--Gun, gas fitting, brass founding, button, electro-plate, tool,
art metal, railway carriage.
HICKORY.--Whip, rolled metal, needle, ferrule, railway carriage.
HOLLY.--Tool, whip.
HOLDER WOOD.--Clog.
LANCEWOOD, PARTRIDGE WOOD, SATIN WOOD, SNAKE WOOD.--Gun, clog, whip,
needle, pen and penholder, brass founding, optical instrument.
LIGNUM VITÆ.--Button, whip, brass founding, art metal, rolled metal,
tool, corkscrew.
MALACCA CANE.--Gold beating.
MAPLE.--Gun, railway carriage, cycle and sewing machine, brass founding.
PEACH.--Electro-plate.
PEAR.--Coal mining, glass, printing and lithography.
ROSEWOOD.--Gun, railway carriage, cabinet, printing and lithography,
pen and penholder, electro-plate, tool.
SYCAMORE.--Railway carriage, electro-plate, printing and lithography,
art metal.
TULIP.--Art metal.
WALNUT.--Gun, electro-plate, brass founding, railway carriage, cabinet,
pen and penholder, art metal, matchet.
YEW.--Whip.
ZEBRA.--Button, electro-plate, pen and penholder, optical instrument.
DYE STUFFS.
ANILINE COLOURS, ALKANET, ARCHIL, BURWOOD, CUDBEAR, CATECHU, DIVI
DIVI, DRAGON’S BLOOD, FUSTIC, INDIGO, GALL NUTS, LOGWOOD, MYRABOLANS,
RED SANDERS, SHUMAC, TURMERIC.--Furniture and cabinet works, button,
railway carriage, fibre and bass dressing, art metal, whip, paper,
printing and lithography, matchet, wholesale boot and shoe trade.
NOT CLASSED.
ASBESTOS.--Gas fitting, paper, railway carriage, printing and
lithography, electro-plate, tin plate.
BONES AND BONE WASTE.--Glue, buttons, electro-plate, light brass rolled
metal works, carriage furniture.
BEESWAX, PARAFFIN WAX.--Brass founding, alloy, whip, bedstead,
electro-plate, printing and lithography, light brass rolled metal
works, optical instrument.
BURDOCK, KECK, ELDER PITH.--Watch Finishing.
BATH BRICK.--Gas fitting, whip, light brass rolled metal works, ships’
log, optical instrument, railway carriage.
BLACK LEAD.--Black lead works, gas fitting, railway carriage,
electro-plate, tin plate, nails, whip, buttons.
CHALK, WHITENING, FRENCH CHALK.--Gas fitting, brass founding,
electro-plate, printing and lithography, sword, railway carriage, tin
plate, fibre dressing, buttons, pen and penholder.
COAL TAR, CREOSOTE.--Tar distilling, railway carriage, soap,
electro-plate, light brass rolled metal works.
CATGUT.--Bands for lathes in nearly all trades.
CAMEL HAIR, SABLE HAIR.--Railway carriage, electro-plate, watch chain,
brass founding, art metal, optical instrument.
COTTON WASTE.--In nearly all the metal trades.
COTTON WOOL AND WADDING.--For storing and packing in jewellery and
other trades.
COTTON, THREAD, TAPE.--Nearly all trades.
CUTTLE FISH.--Printing and lithography, jewellery.
CROCUS, COLCOTHAR, ROUGE.--Brassfounding, gas fitting, bedstead,
electro-plate, tin plate, jewellery, glass grinding, and polishing.
CHARCOAL.--brassfounding, gas fitting, bedstead, electro-plate alloy,
wedding ring, nails.
CHINA CLAY.--Porcelain (Worcester), paper, engineers’ brassfounding.
COCOA (THEOBROMA CACAO).--Cocoa and chocolate manufacture.
EGGS.--Printing and lithography, photographic frame and cabinet work.
EMERY.--For grinding and polishing in all the metal trades, glass
grinding, lapidary work, wholesale boot and shoe trade.
FLOUR.--Tin plate, brassfounding, alloys, railway carriage, printing
and lithography, bedstead, nails, papier mâché, paper box, pocket book,
wholesale boot and shoe trade.
FLAX.--Whip Manufacture.
FLOCK, FEATHERS.--Upholstery and bedding manufacture, artificial fly.
FIRE CLAY.--Furnaces in all manufactures.
FULLER’S EARTH.--Pin, cycle and sewing machine.
FLINTS.--African gun trade, nickel and cobalt, chemical works.
FOUNDERS’ DUST.--For casting, metal trades generally.
GALL NUTS.--Ink, brassfounding.
[44]GYPSUM AND PLASTER OF PARIS.--Gold beating, paper, gas
manufacture, railway carriage, printing and lithography, whip,
brassfounding, nails.
GAS CARBON.--Electrical apparatus makers, ship’s log, thimble, whip,
art metal, optical instruments.
GELATINE AND GLUE.--In nearly all trades.
GANNISTER.--Alloys, rolled metals, iron and steel works, brassfounding.
GOLD BEATERS’ SKIN.--Gold beating, electro-plate.
HARES’ FEET.--Gold beating, watch chain, whip, tool, thimble, printing
and lithography.
HEMP, HURDS, TOW.--Rope and twine, alloy, electro-plate, carriage
furniture, tin plate, brassfounding, gas fitting, railway carriage,
anchor, sword, thimble.
HONEY.--Bronze powder, cocoa and chocolate.
HORSE HAIR.--Railway carriage, whip, fishing tackle, upholstery and
bedding.
IVORY.--Bone and ivory and billiard ball turners, electro-plate,
optical instrument.
IRISH MOSS, TANNATE OF SODA.--Used generally to prevent scaling in
steam boilers.
JUTE, KITTOOL FIBRE.--Paper, glue, fibre, dressing, electro-plate.
LIVER OF SULPHUR.--For bronzing in various metal trades.
LIME.--Building, paper, glue, chemical works, iron wire, brassfounding,
electro-plate, printing and lithography, railway carriage.
MARINE GLUE.--Alloys, railway carriage, rolled light metal, optical
instrument.
NUTS (BETEL, COQUILLA, CAROZO).--Buttons.
OILSTONE DUST.--Gun, clock, watch finishing.
PARAFFIN WAX.--Railway carriage works, axle box, rolled light metal
works.
POLISHING THREAD.--Watch chain, spectacle, cycle and sewing machine.
PUMICE STONE.--Grinding and polishing in most metal trades, printing
and lithography, papier mâché.
PEARL SHELL.--Pearl workers, papier mâché, bedstead, electro-plate,
optical instrument.
PUTTY POWDER.--Lapidary, electro-plate, diesinking, needles, whip,
sword, thimble.
QUILLS.--Whip, fishing tackle.
ROTTENSTONE.--For polishing in the metal trades, papier mâché, pearl
work.
SAND (FONTAINBLEAU, TRENT, SILVER, LOAM, CORE, &C).--Glass
manufacture, glass grinding, moulding in the metal trades, for sand
blast in the electro-plate trade.
SANDIFER or GLASS GALL.--Jewellery, electro-plate, watch chain.
SAWDUST.--Gas manufacture, brass founding and brass trades generally,
railway carriage, printing and lithography.
SEALING WAX.--For parcelling in nearly all trades.
SILK.--Railway carriage, button, tin plate, printing and lithography,
needles and fish hook.
SIZE.--Railway carriage, printing and lithography, tin plate, optical
instrument, house decoration, electro-gilding.
SLATE AND SLATE PENCIL.--Jewellery, railway carriage, printing and
lithography, electro-plate, tin plate.
SLAG WOOL.--Gas fittings, engineers’ brass founding.
SOAP.--Nearly all trades.
SPONGE.--Tin plate, art metal, rolled light brass trade, whip,
electro-plate, printing and lithography.
STALE BEER.--Electro-plating and gilding, wire working.
SUGAR.--Cocoa, electro-plate, tin plate, ships’ log, printing and
lithography.
STRAW or HAY.--Bedding, packing in nearly all trades.
SWAN’S DOWN.--Electro-plate, bridle bit, tin plate.
TORTOISE SHELL.--Tortoise shell workers, button.
VULCANITE.--Button, ammunition, railway carriage.
WHALEBONE.--Whip manufacture.
WOOL.--Railway carriage, felt, printing and lithography, bedding,
needles, optical instrument.
In reference to some materials, Mr. Arthur Robottom, who has
introduced a variety of new products for use in Birmingham sends me the
following notes: _Cryolite_ from Greenland, is used in making glass
globes for the electric light. _Nitrate of soda_, from Chili.--Mr. W.
R. Lloyd, merchant, Newhall Street, sold the first small lot to W. C.
Alston, about 50 years ago; since then I have sold large quantities
to the manufacturers of nitric acid. _Lard oil_ was first used in
Birmingham. _Carnubia wax_ (Brazil) was first used in Birmingham for
wax tapers. _Mica._--The first import of large plates from India
was sold to Griffiths and Browett for lanterns to be used in powder
magazines. _Istle or Mexican Fibre._--The first bale was sold by me
to Mrs. Grew, of Church street, and used for brush making. _Kourie
Gum_, from New Zealand, first used in Birmingham by Barratt, Postans
and others for varnish making. _Cow Hair_ from River Plate used
for circular brushes in glass cutting. _Carozo nuts_ or _Vegetable
Ivory_.--The first arrivals from Venezuela were sold to Mr. Burgiss, of
Great Charles Street, for toys; afterwards some were obtained by Mr.
Bricknall, button maker, who first made buttons from this material.
Subsequently the late Mr. J. S. Wright, then a clerk with Smith and
Kemp, took up the material, and it soon became generally used. Now
some thousands of tons are consumed every year for this purpose.
_Piassava._--“I sold the first small lot to Richard Deen, and got
him to retail it to Irishmen living in London Prentice street and
neighbourhood, to make into bass brooms for hawking. At the present
time some 200 tons per week of this material is made up into brooms.
_Gum Animi_, largely used in Birmingham for varnish. _Button Lac_ was
first used in Birmingham by Joseph Shorthouse, Market Street, who had
the first five cases from Calcutta, for the manufacture of lacquer.
_Kiltool_, from Ceylon. The first shipment came to me, I put it aside
in some stables at my house in the Coventry Road, intending to sell
it for putting under ripe strawberries, but by accident I found out
that by putting it into hot oil it took a beautiful black colour. Upon
this Mr. Lovedee, of Bartholomew Street, at my suggestion, dressed and
prepared the material for the brush trade. It is now used in great
quantities.” _Lemon_, _Orange_, and _Citron Peel_.--Large quantities
sent to Birmingham to be candied at Mr. Pattison’s works, Spring Hill.
They are imported from Sicily.
The reader having now some idea of the materials entering our district,
let us see generally, though in mere outline, how these materials are
worked up in the metal trades.
ORES.--The only ores smelted in our district on a large scale are iron
and nickel and cobalt. Small quantities of galena and copper pyrites
are used. Spanish ore, an iron pyrites containing two or three per
cent. of copper, has the sulphur burnt off in the chemical works, and
the copper is subsequently precipitated and refined.
METALS AND ALLOYS.--Iron and steel are now extensively produced from
cast iron in our district by the modern methods as well as by the older
ones of puddling in the case of iron, and cementing in the case of
steel. The basic Bessemer process has been adopted on a large scale by
Mr. A. Hickman, of the Spring Vale Furnaces, Bilston. Three converters
are used, one lined in the ordinary manner (gannister), the other
two with a paste made of dolomite (magnesian limestone) and tar, the
process of conversion being commenced in the first named converter,
and finished in the others. At the same works are modern type blast
furnaces in which the waste gases are utilised for heating the blast
on the regenerative principle, two stoves being those of Mr. Cowper’s
system, while there are three new ones invented by Ford and Moncan.
Messrs. Hatton and Sons of Bilston, adopt a fixed Bessemer converter in
which blast of low pressure can be used. At the same works the Wilson
gas producer is used for re-heating furnaces, and an arrangement on
the Ponsard principle is adopted for raising the temperature of the
air used in the combustion of the gas. Mr. Smith-Casson has in use
at the Round Oak Works a novel gas furnace of his invention. At the
Patent Shaft and Axle Tree Works a modification of the (Siemens) open
hearth furnace (an improvement by Dick and Riley) is being used.[45] At
Messrs. Cox Brothers and Holland, Alcester Street, crucible steel is
made. The cementing process is carried on at the Brades Steel Works,
Oldbury.
COPPER.--The crude copper known as Chili bars and precipitated copper
from chemical works, where the sulphur of the ore has been previously
utilized, are refined extensively in the neighbourhood of Birmingham.
LEAD.--Lead refuse of various kinds, together with galena, is treated
at one small works in the town.
ALLOYS.--In most cases manufacturers mix their own metals. However,
brass, German-silver, and other alloys are extensively manufactured for
the trade.
The metal or alloy having been made, is subject to various general
processes, either as preliminary to manufacture, or in the course of
manufacture, of which the following are the principal:--
CASTING.--From a drawing the pattern is made in wood--⅛ of an inch to
the foot longer in case of cast-iron, and ³⁄₁₆ do. in case of brass
to allow for shrinking. The pattern is laid in sand, often contained
in a casting frame, which, from its plasticity, non-fusibility, and
other properties lends itself admirably for mould making. The mould is
dusted over with charcoal, or with a mixture known as founders’ dust,
and the casting then made by pouring metal in. With small articles in
brass, metal patterns are used. For gold articles, such as wedding
rings, an iron frame is used, filled with the finest red sand. For
small gold work, the cuttle fish bone is used as a mould, the pattern
being pressed in the same manner as in sand.[46] A special feature in
the process of casting in our district is the production of “chilled”
castings for rolls. The mould for the barrel part of the roll is a
heavy cylindrical casting of iron truly bored out to a size sufficient
to allow of the roll being turned to the required size. The molten iron
is run into the mould sidelong, and from the bottom, so as to give the
metal a rotatory motion. This rotatory motion causes the dust and slag
to keep in the centre, leaving a pure metal in contact with the mould.
This metal chilled by contact with the massive metal mould, produces
the hard and close texture required.[47]
Keys, stirrups, hob nails, and many small articles are produced by
casting, the casting being afterwards rendered malleable by the process
of cementation, which consists in packing the articles in an iron box
with powdered hæmatite, and heating from three to seven days. Iron
castings are also annealed by packing with cinders in a box, which is
then heated for some time, as with the malleable cast iron.
ROLLING, WIRE AND TUBE DRAWING.--Iron, brass, steel, and German silver
are used up in the form of sheet, wire, and tube. With large firms
producing finished articles, these processes are done on the premises,
but there are several works devoted to the production of sheet metal,
wire, or tube only, and rolling for the trade. In the jewellers’
district, the cast ingots of the precious metals are taken to rolling
mills in the neighbourhood to be rolled down to the required degree of
fineness. For some articles, such as spoons, where a blank is required
of varying thickness, strips of metal are thinned in parts by what is
known as “cross rolling,” the rolls being exposed at one end, so that a
strip of metal may be passed through, which is thus thinned down at one
end.
Tube drawing is effected by cutting a strip of metal which is then
passed through rolls to give it a gutter form. One end of the gutter
is now beaten up to form a tang that can be gripped by the tongs of
the draw bench, and the gutter is pulled through a conical hole which
roughly forms the tube. The open seam of the tube is now brazed, and
after cleaning, this roughly formed tube is slipped over a steel rod
or mandril. Both mandril and tube are drawn through a smooth circular
hole when a smooth uniform tube is formed. Fluted taper tubes are made
as described at (B. p. 324[48]) by means of “tins,” but a novel method
is now adopted for smooth taper tubes. A wedge-shaped piece of metal
is roughly made into a conical tube which is put on a taper mandril
revolving in a lathe. A flat steel burnisher is pressed on to the tube
as it revolves pressing the metal to take the shape of the mandril.
Twisted tubes are produced by drawing the tube through a revolving
nut (B. p. 325[48]), embossed or ornamented tubes by drawing a plain
tube through a die, composed of a series, four say, of small wheels or
pulleys on the edge of each wheel being impressed the desired pattern.
As the tube is drawn through the die, the wheels turn and impress on
the tube the pattern they carry on their surface. As stated (B. p.
326[48]), the invention is due to Mr. Fearn. It should, however, be
mentioned that the process failed in his hands, but was subsequently
taken up by Messrs. Winfield and Co., who, with the help of their
engineer, Mr. Thomas Preston, brought the process to perfection.
PRESS TOOL WORK.--The next general process in the manufacture of many
metallic articles is cutting out a blank into the requisite shape.
This is done by what is called a press tool consisting of two parts;
one a firm block of steel, in which is an aperture, circular, oval, or
whatever shape may be desired, and the other a punch of corresponding
shape, a piece of metal being placed over the aperture, the punch is
forced down by a screw of high pitch on to the metal, when a blank is
cut out at one blow, and falls into a pan placed to receive it.[49]
STAMPING.--Used for hollowing blanks in a number of trades. The blank
cut by hand or tool is placed on a mould or die, and a heavy weight,
carrying on its lower surface the counterpart of the mould, working in
guides so as to fall true, can be lifted up and allowed to fall on the
blank until the metal is forced into the shape of the mould. As the
metal hardens by successive blows, the blanks are annealed (that is
heated and allowed to cool) as often as may be found necessary.
The weight which gives the blow is supported by a strap passing over a
wheel in constant motion. So long as the strap hangs loosely over the
wheel, the friction of the moving wheel is insufficient to lift the
weight, but immediately the workman makes the strap taut, the weight
is carried up and is let fall by the workman releasing his hold on the
strap.
SHAPING.--Thin metal is shaped by pressure applied by means of a
screw press, the metal being placed between a die or mould and its
counterpart.
AUTOMATIC MACHINERY.--A number of articles produced from wire, such
as pins, nails, hooks and eyes, hair pins, etc., are made completely
by automatic machinery, the wire being wound off a reel at one end of
the machine and transformed into the various articles as it passes
along until it comes out at the other end of the machine, a finished or
nearly finished article.
AUTOMATIC TURNING AND SHAPING.--Gun stocks, boot lasts, tool handles
and other similar articles are automatically turned. With a gun stock
for example, the rough form cut from a plank is put in a lathe, above
is placed a steel model or dummy of the form required to be turned,
the model and the wooden blank are made to revolve at precisely the
same speed, and a rotating cutter travels slowly along from one end of
the blank to the other, the movement of the cutter inwards or outwards
being regulated by the dummy. The wooden blank having been put in the
lathes, the cutting is started, and it then goes on until finished,
when the lathe stops automatically. The shaping of gun locks and many
other parts of the gun is effected by causing a revolving cutter to be
moved over a fixed steel model or dummy, the cutter thus shapes the
blank to a fac-simile of the pattern or dummy.[50]
SPINNING.--Tea pot bodies and a variety of articles in Britannia metal
are “spun.” A piece of wood 4 or 5 inches in diameter is attached to
the lathe head, and in this a hollow corresponding to the bottom of the
tea pot is turned. A sheet of metal of a foot or so diameter is now put
against the wood and pressed into the hollow by a wooden cylindrical
mould with a round base which corresponds to the concavity. The disc is
rotated very rapidly and the workman presses the soft metal over the
mould so as to form a vessel in shape somewhat resembling a coffee cup
with upright sides, the cylindrical mould is taken out and replaced
by a disc of wood in two halves, held in place by a spindle from the
back centre of the lathe. The metal cylinder is now gradually closed
in until the opening is reduced to the required size, when the body is
complete. The spindle is withdrawn and the divided disc of wood easily
shakes out.
DRAWING THROUGH.--Umbrella ferrules, pencil cases, cartridge cases,
and a variety of articles are made by “drawing through.” The finest
example of this process is seen in the manufacture of a metallic
cartridge case, such as is used in the new Enfield-Martini rifle. I
am indebted to Mr. T. R. Bayliss, Managing Director of the Birmingham
Small Arms and Metal Company, for the following particulars. The brass
is rolled to the required thickness.[51] It is then passed into a
machine which forms it into a shallow cup. This machine consists of a
tubular punch which cuts out a disc of 1.25 inch diameter, immediately
upon which a solid plug passing through the tubular punch, presses the
disc through a steel ring, so that it falls to the ground as a shallow
brass cup. Three of these are produced by one blow of the press. The
cups are heated in a muffle to a red heat, then dipped in dilute
sulphuric acid to remove scale, washed, coated with soap and oil, and
then passed through a second machine in which a slightly narrower punch
forces the cup through a slightly narrower ring, and thus the cup,
while retaining the same thickness at the bottom, is made slightly
narrower and much deeper. Repetitions of the process (six altogether)
produce a case rather more than half-an-inch wide and three inches
long, which, when cut off to proper length, indented at the bottom for
reception of the cap, and some other finishing processes gone through,
is ready for the charge of powder. The process is applied to small
articles like pencil cases, and at the Small Arms and Metal Company to
cases as large as 5·20 inch diameter and 15 inch long.
SOLDERING.--Hard soldering or brazing consists in fusing an alloy of
high melting point between two junctions of the metal to be soldered
so as firmly to connect them. The solder in fine powder is mixed with
powdered borax, and made into a puddle with water, and then spread
about the parts to be soldered together. The article is now heated by
fire or gas, and the moment when the solder runs, is carefully watched.
Gold and silver soldering used in the jewellery trades is on a small
scale similar to brazing, the solder used is a gold or silver alloy of
slightly lower melting point than the article to be soldered: the borax
is commonly applied by previously rubbing down a crystal on a piece of
slate and the white puddle thus obtained applied by means of a camel
hair pencil to the junction on which the solder is placed. The article
is supported on a piece of pumice stone and the necessary heat produced
by the flame from a mouth blowpipe. In soft soldering an alloy of tin
and lead is used, the melted alloy being spread by means of a “bit”
or “doctor,” consisting of a piece of copper attached to an iron rod
set in a wooden handle. A flux called “monkey” or “spirit,” consisting
of muriatic acid with dissolved zinc, having previously been applied.
Formerly resin was used as a flux, but this is now to a great extent
superseded by the mixture just spoken of.
SCRATCH BRUSHING is used to produce a rich rough surface previous to
gilding. Revolving brushes of brass wire scratch the surface of the
article which is kept well moistened with stale beer or with water to
which size has been added.
Of late years the SAND BLAST has been introduced for roughing surfaces.
Sand is fed into a powerful blast of air, and a fine frosted surface
produced. If the article is protected in places by a mask of paper
or soft metal cut out in any desired pattern, an ornamental pattern
is produced requiring only a little chasing to finish it. The sand
blast is used too in the production of an imitation of engraved glass,
in embossing glass as a substitute for hydrofluoric acid, and for
re-cutting old files.
DIPPING.--In order to clean brass articles, they are dipped into a
mixture of nitric and sulphuric acids, the temperature and strength
of acid determining whether the dipping is bright or dead. The bright
articles are now finished by burnishing or polishing, and are then
ready for
LACQUERING.--The articles are laid on an iron table heated to a
temperature of about 230° F. by super-heated steam. When warm, the
lacquer, which is a solution of shell-lac in spirits of wine, is
brushed over, the spirit evaporates and leaves a protecting coating of
gum.
GOLD CUTTING or LAPPING in jewellery consists in pressing articles
against a rapidly revolving disc or “lap,” composed of lead and tin,
to the surface of which fine emery has been applied. The faces of
the article which have thus been “cut” are subsequently polished
on a “bob,” that is on a wheel covered with leather on its edge or
circumference.[52]
COLOURING in jewellery refers to a rich gold colour obtained on gold
articles. The process at first could be applied only to jewellery of
high quality, but now 15 and 18 carat gold is coloured. The articles
are heated to dull redness to destroy grease and dirt, then hung on
platinum wires and immersed in a boiling mixture of salt, saltpetre,
and muriatic acid and water. After drying out in sawdust they are
scratch-brushed.[52]
There are many extremely interesting processes in the trades of our
town besides those which apply exclusively to the metal trades, but for
these I have no space. Those who wish for full information respecting
the history, position, and general character of the Birmingham
industries, must consult “Birmingham and the Midland Hardware
District,” edited by Mr. Sam. Timmins. This volume, which was published
on the occasion of the visit of the British Association to the town
in 1865, is exhaustive, describing the trades as they then existed.
In order, however, to supplement Mr. Timmins’ book, application has
been made to various gentlemen who have been good enough to provide
the following short notices (or the substance of them) of the various
trades referred to at length in the volume. In addition there are some
notices of industries which have been introduced since the year 1865.
SUPPLEMENTARY DETAILS OF BIRMINGHAM TRADE SINCE 1865.
=Introductory Note.=--The references to “Birmingham and the Midland
Hardware District” volume are quoted as “B.,” followed by a number
indicating the page. Thus (B. 77) means, _See “Birmingham and the
Midland Hardware District”, page 77_. The trades are arranged
alphabetically.
=Assay Office of Birmingham.=--[H. WESTWOOD].--(B. 499). The assay
marks continue to be so highly valued by the public that all goods
are now sent to be assayed and marked except those of the commonest
quality, and a few richly wrought articles that would be injured in the
process.[53]
The statistics of the Assay Office form an index to the condition of
the gold and silver trades of the town. The following tables are a
continuation of those given by Mr. Ryland (B. 507).
WEIGHT OF GOLD AND SILVER WARES ASSAYED AND MARKED IN BIRMINGHAM.
Year ends Gold. Silver.
June 24th oz. oz.
1865 30,733 99,688
1866 35,705 90,736
1867 34,114 83,501
1868 36,170 79,642
1869 47,694 87,027
1870 48,123 84,323
1871 58,323 81,248
1872 75,933 91,988
1873 98,134 106,415
1874 116,325 134,949
1875 113,642 141,123
1876 120,019 142,148
1877 114,772 163,047
1878 104,202 159,847
1879 87,042 166,469
1880 81,606 239,835
1881 70,466 331,209
1882 86,837 511,743
1883 91,053 851,957
1884 99,799 926,968
1885 97,618 888,391
AMOUNT OF PLATE DUTY COLLECTED.
Year ends
July 24th.
Date. Amount.
1865 £11,114
1866 11,493
1867 9,941
1868 9,761
1869 10,505
1870 10,767
1871 11,270
1872 12,603
1873 14,889
1874 17,898
1875 18,202
Year ends
June 24th.
1876 18,689
1877 19,053
1878 18,406
1879 15,752
1880 13,898
1881 15,141
1882 18,649
1883 19,663
1884 20,943
1885 20,221
NUMBER OF ASSAYS MADE IN BIRMINGHAM.
Date. Number.
1843 1,685
1853 2,477
1863 6,823
1873 38,138
1883 101,012
=Bedsteads, Iron and Brass.=--[L. BRIERLEY.]--(B. 624.) In 1849 there
were only about eight manufacturers of metallic bedsteads in Birmingham
and the neighbourhood, whose united production probably reached 400
finished articles per week. In 1865 the number had increased to twenty,
with a weekly output of about 5,000; the number of makers within a
radius of fifteen miles is about forty, and the weekly production not
far short of 20,000. As the number of manufacturers increased, and
competition necessarily became keener, so improvements were continually
being effected. The old imitation bamboo cane gave way to more artistic
effects of colour. The pillars and rails were decorated with flowers
and Dutch metal, or with gold--accomplished partly by hand, and partly
by the process (long known in the potteries for ornamenting china ware)
called transferring. This somewhat pronounced, if not “loud” style of
decoration, though still in demand for foreign countries, has in its
turn been replaced by plain polished surfaces, relieved at intervals
with brass, nickel, or silver plated joints, and mountings. Prices
range now (1886) from 5/- or 6/- for a plain stump bedstead to £100 for
electro-silver plated canopy or fore part constructed to suit Oriental
taste. The United States now buys and also makes metallic bedsteads.
Australia, New Zealand, the Cape, Mauritius, Canada, East and West
Indies, the States of South America, Egypt, China, and to some extent,
Japan, purchase.
About 500 persons are now employed in Birmingham and neighbourhood in
the bedstead trade; the average earnings of men are about 23/- per
week, and of women about 14/- per week.
Within the last ten years wire mattresses have been introduced. The
price was formerly £4 to £5 for a mattress, according to width. Now a
good one may be obtained at a price varying from 20/- to 40/-.
While Birmingham and the district is the principal seat of the bedstead
trade there are extensive manufactories in London, Manchester, Glasgow,
and Bristol. Metallic bedsteads are also made extensively in France,
Spain, Italy, Germany, and of late years in the United States also.
A great number are, however, still exported to Spain and America in
spite of the native competition, and protective duties amounting to
45 per cent. Our trade with Spain is very much reduced of late years
in consequence of England being denied the advantage of “the favoured
nation” clause.
=Block Paper and its Uses.=--[J. B. GAUSBY.]--(B. 574.) Since the
previous paper on this subject was written, there has been no
alteration in the process of manufacture, nor has there been any
marked development of the trade as a whole. The manufacture of panels
of various thickness has increased in consequence of their adoption
in the place of wood, where bending or exposure to varying conditions
of moisture are required. The great quantities of trays imported
from Japan for some time checked the demand for moulded paper tray
blanks, but the demand is now returning. Fashion has however dealt
less kindly with the manufacture of slabs in blocks for the purpose of
manufacturing artificial jet ornaments. This branch of the trade is
entirely destroyed.
=Boiler Plate and Gas Holders.=--[W. S. SUTHERLAND.]--(B. 93.) In
spite of heavy duties, boiler and gas apparatus are still exported.
Within the last twenty years many types of tubular boilers have
been introduced, but the one fluted or Cornish boiler, the simple
egg-end, and the Lancashire and double boiler with cross tubes are
most generally used. Mild steel has been introduced into boiler making
and plate making during the last few years, though it is still a
contested point whether it is superior to iron when all things are
taken into consideration. It requires to have all rivet holes drilled,
and it must be carefully annealed, though the writer is informed by
Mr. Edwin Danks, of Oldbury, that steel makers often prefer to have
their plates either worked cold or at a red heat, and not in the
intermediate condition. Drilling machines especially designed are now
used. Hydraulic machines of greatly improved construction have come
into use for facilitating the operations in the boiler yard. These
machines are portable, the water being supplied through a flexible
tube. Improvements in the construction of the internal boiler flues
have been made to enable them to resist increased pressure, and further
to allow the expansion and contraction of the flue without injury. Of
these improvements, the most noted are Fox’s corrugated flues, the
bowling ring, the flanged flue, and Arnold’s flue.
An improvement introduced by the writer into boiler plate working,
is the system of welding by gas, adopted in Birmingham by Messrs.
Piggott, and by Messrs. Lloyd and Lloyd, for tubular and other work
and applied by Mr. Puplett for welding plate sheets of steel only, 12
and 13 w.g. thick into ice moulds. It is found that the strength of
the weld equals that of the solid plate, and the process is a cleanly
and convenient one. Hemispherical sugar pans of 8 and 9 feet diameter
without a joint are made by Messrs. Piggott, who use this process. _Gas
Holders._--Since 1865 much larger gas holders have been made. The two
designed by Mr. Hunt, and recently erected at the Windsor Street Works,
Birmingham, have each a capacity of 6,000,000 cubic feet, and are at
the present time the largest in the world.
=Brassfoundry.=--(B. 225). No important changes have taken place in
this trade since the last report was written. At Messrs. Winfield’s and
other makers, light and elegant “electroliers,” for electric lighting,
have been added to the usual run of work. A general cheapening of brass
articles has resulted among other causes from the reduction in price of
copper. In the table (B. 259) it will be seen that in 1855 copper was
£126 a ton, the prices since 1865, when it was £92, have been--
£
1866 88
1867 78
1868 76
1869 75
1870 70
1871 75
1872 96
1873 92
1874 87
1875 88
1876 82
1877 75
1878 67
1879 63
1880 67
1881 66
1882 72
1883 67
1884 59
1885 48
The increased imports from America account for the fall in price, the
increase in Lake Superior copper alone being from 25,439 tons in 1882,
to 35,000 in 1885.[54]
=Button Trade.=--[J. P. TURNER.]--(B. 432.) A fashion for covered
buttons in various qualities of mohair or its imitations, in diagonal
patterns, has prevailed at home and abroad for some years. These are
largely made in Birmingham, but as many or more are imported from
Germany, where the covering is _wholly_ produced, and, further, a
better finish to the buttons is obtained. _Vegetable Ivory or Carozo
Nut Buttons._--The Germans produce more beautiful designs and superior
finish at the same prices, and the Birmingham markets are now almost
annihilated. The foreign trade Birmingham once had is extinguished.
_Pearl Buttons._--Since 1865 a new supply of pearl shell has been
obtained from various parts of the coast round Australia, and this
locality is our chief source of supply. It is worth £200 per ton for
picked parcels, and about £150 per ton when delivered here. The best of
this shell is equal or nearly so to the best Macassar shells. Panama
shells are now found in but small quantities, and instead of only
fetching £20 to £30 per ton, as quoted in 1865, they are now worth £50
to £70. _Glass Buttons._--Some fancy glass buttons made in Birmingham
are still unsurpassed in style, but the sale is a limited one. More
than ever come from Bohemia, where they are better made than formerly,
and equally low in price.
The button trade in Paris has had to yield to German competition
equally with that in England.[55]
=Cast Iron and Hollow Ware.=--[W. KENRICK, M.P.]--(B. 103.) Since
1866 the increase in the trade is remarkable, and some important
improvements have been introduced by which the public has obtained
a very superior article, at a price quite as low, if not lower than
before. Roughly speaking, the trade has doubled in twenty years.
Enamelled iron ware has become better known and more appreciated.
Ten firms are now engaged in this manufacture. Messrs. Baldwin, of
Stourport, have introduced and patented a new process, whereby they
claim the production of a better enamel at a lower price, owing to the
use of a single coat. This variety is called mottled enamel ware.
Messrs. Kenrick were the first in the trade to introduce a cover
stamped out of a single piece of metal without rivet or seam, and this
was manufactured under a patent taken out by Mr. Ryland in 1868. Since
then the adoption of a solid cover has extended generally throughout
the trade. By another patent, the firm fixed the tubular handle to the
saucepan by means of a socket in which the tube was securely locked
without a rivet.
The process of annealing has been improved by a saving of time
occupied in the process. Machinery has been introduced into the
moulding of hollow-ware, the stamping and finishing of covers, and the
dressing of hinges and sash pulleys.
The odd work which comprises most small articles of cast iron used by
builders’ furnishers, &c., has undergone a great change in appearance,
owing to the introduction of a new style of finish from America. A
coat of transparent varnish is now applied, the iron being previously
polished on those parts in relief, and the result is an appearance
somewhat resembling antique bronze. This, together with greater
lightness and elegance of design, has given an impetus to the trade,
and has led to the introduction of iron where brass was previously used.
The favourable conditions of labour described in 1866 still prevail,
though it may be added that progress in this direction has at least
kept pace with the advance in progress of manufacture, and the greater
excellence in the ware produced.
The provisions of the Factory Acts have long applied to this industry
with beneficial results. The hours of labour have been reduced, and
thanks to the Education Act of 1870, the intelligence and docility
of the younger operatives are their notable characteristics. What is
now wanted is the establishment of Science and Art classes where the
principles which underlie processes may be learnt, and the power to
add beauty of form to articles of utility may be acquired. When these
branches of technical training are added to the course of elementary
instruction in our public Schools, all that is needed to secure the
prosperity of British industry will have been done.
The best relations as a rule now exist between employers and employed;
the former are less exacting and more sympathetic, the latter take
juster views of the relation of capital and labour, and are more
ready to co-operate with their employers to a common end. The wider
introduction of machinery has been attended with the larger employment
of female labour, and this seems to be an inevitable tendency of modern
processes of manufacture. On the other hand many more skilled workmen
are required in the fitting and machine shops, which now form an
important department in large works of the class here described.
=Clocks.=--Within the last year or two a new industry has been imported
into the town by Mr. Edward Davies, formerly of the Ansonia Clock
Company, Brooklyn. A company has been formed under the name of the
British United Clock Company, of 34, Farringdon Road, London. The works
are in Great Hampton Street, Birmingham. The company make the round or
drum-like time pieces, the works of which are machine-made, the parts
being interchangeable, and are supplied retail at a few shillings each.
=Coinage.=--[RALPH HEATON].--(B. 552). Coining presses devised by
a German named Uhlhorn, but manufactured and improved by Messrs.
Heaton, have been supplied to the Royal Mint. The great advantage of
the new presses is that they require no foundation, and are silent
and automatic in action. The blanks are dropped into a tube, and the
machine carries them forward one by one to the dies, where they are
finished and fall into a box in front of the workman.
With regard to the manufacture of blanks, Birmingham has from time to
time furnished these to a number of States, and is doing so now. Nickel
coinage (an alloy of 20 per cent. nickel, and 80 per cent. copper) has
been supplied to Jamaica in pence, half pence, and farthings. In 1884,
seventy-five tons nickel alloy were coined for Servia, and an entirely
new coinage of both silver and nickel for the Republic of Ecuador. At
the present time (1886) Messrs. Heaton are supplying Columbia and Egypt
with nickel coinage. The nickel alloy is an excellent material for
coinage.
In 1872 the Birmingham Mint delivered silver blanks to the Royal Mint,
for a coinage of the nominal value of £1,000,000. This was completed in
six months.
The letter H below the date will be found on many of the bronze
coins in circulation; this implies that the coins were struck at the
Birmingham Mint. At the time of their introduction in 1875, it was
supposed that an extensive gang of forgers were at work, and the mint
authorities were communicated with by an anonymous writer, who stated
that the counterfeit coins could be distinguished by the small letter H
below the date.
Messrs. Heaton have supplied coins to no less than 39 states or
authorities. In 1868, the Italian Government ordered five million lire
in pieces of 10 centimes; and in consideration of the satisfactory
manner in which this and other coinages had been carried out, his
majesty, King Victor Emmanuel, conferred the honour of knighthood on
the firm.
=Electric Lighting.=--[HENRY LEA, M.I.M.E.]--The period of fifteen
years following the last Meeting of the British Association in
Birmingham, in the year 1865, was devoid of any undertakings in
electric lighting, other than in the direction of the application of
powerful arc lights for lighthouse purposes, as practised by Messrs.
Chance Bros., of Spon Lane, near Birmingham, who, beginning in 1862
with apparatus having optical adjustments for electric arc lights of
small power, proceeded to introduce more and more powerful lights, of
which the Souter Point revolving light of the 2nd and 3rd order built
in 1870, the South Forelands fixed lights, two in number, and of the
3rd order, built in the same year; the Sydney Heads light of the 1st
order and of 11,000 candle power, built in 1880; and the flashing light
at Tino, near Spezia, a lamp of the 2nd order, finished in 1885, are
examples shewing the great progress made during the period referred to.
The Sydney Heads light is said to be the leading light of the world.
The motive power employed for it is the Otto silent gas engine. The
carbons are 23 millimetres, or upwards of ⅞″ in dia. Particulars of
these undertakings will be found in a special paper upon Lighthouse
Work in another part of this volume. The first application of arc
lighting for ordinary business purposes in this district is believed
to be that of the Birmingham Household Supply Association Limited,
which was fixed in the year 1880-1 under the superintendence of the
writer, who employed a pair of 8″ × 12″ Horizontal Tangye Engines to
drive a Brush Dynamo working sixteen arc lamps. Amongst other examples
of arc lighting subsequently put down may be named those at Messrs.
Brown Marshalls & Co.’s Carriage Works at Saltley, Messrs. John Wilkes
and Sons’ Rolling Mills in Liverpool Street, Messrs. Elkington & Co.’s
Show Rooms, in Newhall Street, the New British Iron Co.’s Works at
Corngreaves, the Lower Grounds at Aston Park, and Messrs. Cadbury
Bros.’ Cocoa Manufactory, near Birmingham, the latter being only very
recently started upon the Gulcher system.
The incandescent or glow electric lamp, first made its appearance upon
a large scale in Birmingham, in the year 1882, when the Birmingham Town
Hall was successfully illuminated for the Triennial Musical Festival,
by Messrs. R. W. Winfield and Co., who had allied themselves with
Messrs. R. E. Crompton and Co., of Chelmsford, for electric lighting
undertakings. This installation was established under the writer’s
superintendence, and consisted of 440 Swan glow lamps, suspended from
ornamental pendants placed around the walls of the Hall, a chamber
having very nearly the proportions of a double cube, and measuring
165ft. × 65ft. × 65ft. high. Various lamps in other rooms raised the
number to 500. Cables were laid underneath the streets, for a distance
of about a quarter of a mile, to the works of Messrs. Winfield and Co.,
in Cambridge street, where nine Bürgin Dynamos, separately excited by
two similar machines, were employed to generate the electricity, the
motive power being the old rolling mill engine, from the flywheel of
which a belt conveyed the motion to the electric machinery. This wheel,
being 25ft. diameter, weighing about 25 tons, and revolving 50 times
per minute, afforded a source of motion, the steadiness of which left
nothing to be desired. The marked difference of temperature in the Town
Hall during the evening performances, as compared with the previous use
of gas--70° at the ceiling instead of 110°--was fully appreciated by
the large audiences of that festival. Subsequently the number of lamps
was increased to upwards of 600, by the addition of two pendants. The
same means of illumination were used for the 1885 Triennial Festival,
as well as on many occasions of concerts, etc. The whole plant still
remains the property of Messrs. Winfield and Co. Upon somewhat similar
lines the same firm fitted up the Leeds Town Hall, for the Festival of
1883, where, however, the whole of the light was derived from pendants
suspended from the ceiling by steel wire ropes. The machinery in this
case was also situated about a quarter of a mile from the Town Hall.
In the year 1882, Messrs. Elwell, Parker, and Co., commenced
electrical business in Wolverhampton, with secondary or storage
batteries constructed upon a modification of the Planté method of
manufacture. Shortly afterwards, the same firm began to make dynamos
for charging their batteries, since which time the output has
increased, and now amounts to a total of about 500 dynamos, besides
several thousands of storage cells, the latter being now made under
the joint Patents of the Wolverhampton Firm, and the Electrical Power
Storage Co., Limited, of London. The London Stock Exchange, Lloyd’s
Shipping Offices, the Manchester Art Gallery, Lord Shrewsbury’s seat at
Ingestre Hall, the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Co., the Blackpool
Electric Tramway, the Giants’ Causeway Electric Tramway, the Cannock
Chase Colliery, the Grosvenor Gallery and many other establishments are
lighted or worked by means of dynamos manufactured by the Wolverhampton
firm.
Amongst installations set up in Birmingham under the writer’s
superintendence may be mentioned the Theatre Royal, in New Street,
and the Prince of Wales Theatre, in Broad Street, in each of which
the plant consists of a 16-H.P. Otto silent gas engine, driving a 300
light Ferranti alternate current dynamo with a Siemen’s exciter, and
with appliances at the prompt side for lowering or turning out the
light at will. 200 lights are run very brightly with an expenditure
of about 800 cubic feet of gas per hour. A similar number of ordinary
gas burners would require from 1,000 to 1,200 cubic feet of gas per
hour. The Birmingham Liberal Club, in Congreve Street, another example,
has 160 lamps which are worked from a 10-unit compound dynamo, made
by Messrs. Crompton and Co., of Chelmsford, the motive power being a
12-H.P. compound steam engine, by Messrs. Marshall, Sons, and Co.,
Limited, of Gainsborough. This machine is an excellent specimen of a
self-regulating dynamo, the commutator not having been touched with
anything coarser than well-worn emery cloth since February last, its
surface presenting a highly-polished appearance. No storage cells are
used, the lighting being derived directly from the machine.
In the suburbs, the house of Mr. Mitchell, Hagley Road, Edgbaston, has
about 40 lights, and is worked from a 2-H.P. Otto silent gas engine,
and a 2-unit Crompton shunt-wound dynamo, charging 24 storage cells of
the E.P.S. (Electrical Power Storage Co.’s) type.
The writer’s house, 7, Clarendon Road, Edgbaston, is also electrically
lighted by 24 E.P.S. cells, charged by a 30-light Chamberlain & Hookham
dynamo, worked from a ½-H.P. Otto gas engine.
Messrs. Chamberlain & Hookham began, a few years ago, the manufacture
of dynamos having permanent steel magnets, but they subsequently
adopted the more usual type of electro-magnetic machines. Particulars
are not to hand of this firm’s work, but the residences of Messrs.
Walter Chamberlain and Herbert Chamberlain are amongst the examples of
domestic electric lighting carried out by the firm, whose attention,
however, has been directed principally to the manufacture of dynamos
for electro-depositing purposes, where very heavy currents of low
electro-motive force are required.
The public supply of electricity was in 1882-3 the subject of much
attention on the part of Messrs. Winfield & Crompton, under whose
auspices the Incandescent Electric Lighting Co. Ld. was registered. An
Act of Parliament was obtained, and plans and estimates were made by
the writer for lighting a large district in Birmingham from central
stations. Carefully collected statistics of the gas consumption in the
proposed district afforded some interesting information, such as, for
instance, that the average cost of gas per burner per annum, called
the burner earnings, varied from 2d. to 43/6 per burner per annum, and
showed a mean earning for the whole district of 10/2 per burner per
annum, the average price of gas being about 2/3 per 1,000 cubic feet.
From various causes, chief amongst them being the adverse restrictions
of the Electric Lighting Act of 1882, the operations of the Company
have remained in abeyance. The Birmingham Act is, however, still in
force, and should the efforts which are now being made for the removal
or substantial modification of the obnoxious clauses of the Act meet
with the desired success, Birmingham may yet enjoy the advantages of
a public supply of electric light, the luxury of which only those who
have lived in an electrically lighted house can fully appreciate.
=Flint Glass Manufacture of Birmingham.=--[A. C. OSLER.]--(B. 526.)
Further inventions have been made with regard to furnaces. Frisby’s
patent, the fuel inserted from below, instead of being thrown on the
top of the fire, has met with some amount of favour, having been
adopted by several Stourbridge houses. Bœtius’s patent, by which the
earlier stages of combustion take place below the floor of the furnace,
and a current of heated air is supplied to complete the combustion as
the inflammable gases pass through an opening in its floor into the
furnace itself, has now been in use at Messrs. Osler’s for many years.
The process of etching by hydrofluoric acid, has been largely developed
as a means of ornamenting glass, and has to a large extent superseded
engraving. Highly artistic designs are produced by a combination of
etching and engraving. Mechanical methods are adopted in producing many
effective borders.
Among new inventions for the ornamentation of glass, should be
mentioned the process of “threading,” that is, the surrounding and
partial covering of a body of glass of one colour with a continuous
thread of glass of another colour, by which many beautiful effects of
varying and toned colour are produced.
Recent years have also seen the revival of what is termed cameo
cutting on glass. A body of glass being formed of layers of different
colours, the outer layer or layers are partially removed by eating away
by hydrofluoric acid, and the remaining portions are then wrought into
designs with the chisel or graver. A reproduction of the Portland Vase
is one of the most remarkable specimens of this revived art, which
offers excellent opportunity for the combination of lustrous colours of
varied hue with delicate and exquisite ornamentation.
Marked progress has been made in the production of coloured glass,
formerly almost a monopoly of the Bohemian makers.
=Hinges of Wrought Iron.=--[F. E. MARTINEAU.]--(B. 610.) Material
consumed at time of British Association Meeting, in 1849, was about 700
tons; in 1865, about 2,500 tons, and this year, 1886, about 3,500 tons
per annum. In 1865, about 300 people were employed in the trade, there
are now about 380. Strip steel has to a certain extent replaced strip
iron in the manufacture.
=Hydraulic Machinery.=--[MESSRS. TANGYE.]--(B. 647.) The Cornwall
Works have rapidly extended, now occupying six times the area covered
in 1865. 2,000 men are employed. In addition to hydraulic machinery,
steam engines, machine tools, machinery for gas works, patent retort
lids, gas stoking and charging machines, gas engines of a novel and
economical type, steam boilers of all kinds, and fixed and portable
steam cranes are manufactured. These works will now turn out per month
200 steam pumping engines, 40 steam boilers, 100 steam engines used for
other purposes than pumping, 800 cranes, crabs, and lifting apparatus.
300 hydraulic presses, lifts, and jacks. 5,000 complete sets of pulley
blocks, and 1,000 gas retort mouth-pieces and lids.
=Jewellery.=--[JOHN BRAGG.] (B. 452).--EXTENT OF THE TRADE.--This
general title includes a number of so called “Trades” which appear in
the Directory under separate heads. It covers not only gold and silver
“Jewellers,” but gold and silver chain makers, gilt, plated, and black
ornament jewellers, as well as all those subsidiary branches which
exist solely for the general trade, such for instance as lapidaries,
stone dealers, gold cutters, chasers, engravers, jewellers’ die
sinkers, tool makers and stampers, enamellers, case makers, and also
jewellery factors. In several large establishments, many of these
separate departments are carried on within the walls and under one
central management. The Post Office Directory for 1885 gives 1,123
master-men thus engaged in Birmingham. To these however must be added
a large number of “garret” masters or “out workers” whose names do
not so appear, and who employ perhaps only one, two, or three persons
each. It is estimated that 14,000 to 16,000 persons are actively
employed in this trade in Birmingham, while probably 40,000 to 50,000
are locally dependent upon it. The amount of capital here engaged in
it is enormous, and, without doubt, larger than any other distinct
and separate trade of the town. The manufacture is still, as at
last report, aggregated in one locality, though it is extending its
area. The central point is near to where Warstone Lane is crossed by
Northampton Street or Vyse Street.
LABOUR AND WAGES.--The increase of female labour, particularly in
silver jewellery and in warehouse duties, is very considerable, and
has tended to keep down the wages of men. Still, these have risen to
very high points in seasons of prosperity, and even in the present
time of depressed prices, a skilled journeyman jeweller earns with his
own hands 30s. to 45s. per week of about 54 hours. A trade society
exists, but nothing approaching to a “strike” is possible, because of
the infinite variety of departments, the constant change of patterns,
and the habit of each workman agreeing personally with his employer or
foreman as to prices of piece work. Most of the manufactories are well
ventilated, the newly built ones being large and commodious in every
respect.
BULLION USED.--An estimate has been made by those most competent
to judge as to the value of gold and silver used by this trade in
Birmingham per annum. Taking the last three or four years as a basis,
it seems probable that the annual consumption of gold here is about
£750,000, and of silver (at the present low price) from £300,000 to
£350,000. One large manufacturer of silver jewellery has, within the
last three years, used upwards of 3,000 oz. of fine silver per week.
Sovereigns are still extensively used to melt instead of grain gold.
It may be asked, “Why melt sovereigns when gold, commercially pure, can
be had from the dealers without paying costs of minting?” The answer
is: the cost of minting is so small that against the other advantages
attaching to the practice, it is of no account. These advantages
are--1st, the grain gold of commerce cannot be relied upon for absolute
freedom from accidental or superfluous alloy; and 2nd, that other
qualities, such as uniform hardness, tenacity, and ductility--of the
utmost importance to some branches of the trade--are ensured by using
them. The metallurgical science and technical skill of our national
assayers and melters at the mint, are therefore freely used by our
manufacturers to enable them to alloy to the utmost nicety, and yet
with a certainty of their goods, when made, passing the “Hall.” This,
therefore, is a question of economy.
CHANGES IN THE TRADE.--The immensely increased production of silver
jewellery has tended to almost obliterate two departments which
twenty-five years ago were of large proportions--viz., the gilt and
the plated jewellery trades. The workmen in these branches have mostly
turned their hands to silver working. Notice must be taken of some new
developments, which have become practically new trades to the town.
The manufacture of costly official insignia, such as mayoral chains,
municipal badges, presentation caskets, gold and silver ceremonial
keys, &c., is new since last report. More than seventy such mayoral
chains have been made here since then. The manufacture of watch cases
in gold and silver, but particularly in silver, is also a new and
very considerable trade, employing hundreds of people. Not fewer than
60,000 to 80,000 silver watch cases per annum are now turned out from
Birmingham manufactories. Another new trade, though at present not a
large one, is diamond cutting, but there is no reason why it should not
become an important business here.
ARTISTIC PROGRESS.--How far the trade has led or has followed public
taste it is impossible to say, but that a general improvement has
taken place is undeniable. In place of the huge bracelets, brooches,
earrings, and lockets of twenty years ago, we now have small and
elegant articles of the most tasteful designs. Even such jewellery as
is produced greatly by the aid of machinery, for the sake of cheapness,
is often characterised by perfect style. Silver brooches may be bought
wholesale for one shilling each which would not disgrace any wearer of
the most refined taste. In the gold trade also, the productions for the
great middle classes are equally neat and commendable, both as to form
and detail of decoration. The greater use of gems, both in gold and
silver jewellery, is a distinct feature of present requirements. A most
remarkable evidence of the above statements is afforded by one branch
of the trade, which now exports to France, Germany, and Switzerland
goods in large and increasing quantities, winning its way by style as
well as price against the best makers of the Continent. Compared with
the like classes and prices of goods twenty years ago, there is no
doubt but that beauty of design is greatly improved; nor can there be a
doubt either but that our National Art Teaching has chiefly contributed
to the improvement.
CHEMISTRY.--Chemistry has considerably improved the various processes
in which its aid can be applied. Alloying is more skilfully and exactly
performed. The art of melting is better understood. “Coloring” (which
must not be confounded with “gilding”) is now carried to a pitch of
remarkable excellence. At date of last report, this, which is a purely
chemical process, was done without much intelligence, and nothing lower
than 15 carat gold could be with certainty so finished. But now those
who devote themselves specially to this branch of work, can produce
a beautiful “color” on 12 carat gold. It must, however, be stated,
that upon the lower quality, such bloom and rich colour is fugitive,
while upon the higher qualities it is permanent. Gilding by electric
processes is done with increased economy and skill. Parcel gilding,
oxydising, and gilding with various colored alloys in solution, are
carried to a high pitch of excellence. The chemical treatment of waste,
such as shop sweepings, and the water used for washing of hands is much
improved. In the business of refining, scarcely anything is lost.
MECHANICAL CONDITIONS.--So much depends, and will always depend upon
skilled handicraft in the Jewellery trades, that there is not much to
record in the way of mechanical progress. Still, in some tools there
are notable improvements. The ingenuity manifested in the mechanical
production of gold and silver “parts,” to be afterwards put together
into great varieties of patterns, is remarkable. “Sand blast” is a
new mechanical means used for producing the rich dead surface so much
admired on gold and silver. The lathe, draw bench, die stamp, and
press, effect much more than they did for the trade 20 years ago. Gas
engines are now commonly used, even in small shops.
PRECIOUS STONES.--The gem and precious stone business together with
that of the lapidary form a most important element of the jewellery
trade. We have some 35 local stone dealers and lapidaries. Besides
these, Birmingham is visited constantly by dealers from London, Paris,
Hamburg, and elsewhere, who do large trades here. Diamonds and other
gems in the rough are also sold here increasingly. Compared with date
of last report, the sales of diamonds and other gems to the trade in
this town is probably twenty times larger. Single firms will each buy
and mount up £20,000 or £25,000 worth of gems in a year. It is now a
recognised and distinct name of this branch of the trade, “Diamond and
Gem Mounter,” and the Directory gives about 25 of those who do not
ordinarily interfere with other jewellery. Many Birmingham factors now
carry magnificent stocks of diamond goods manufactured here, which was
not the case twenty years ago.
PRICES AND CHEAPNESS.--Any comparative notes which did not recognise
the cheapness of modern jewellery would be incomplete. This cheapness
is a real thing and not a delusion. Genuine gold and silver brooches,
rings, bracelets, &c. set with gems, are now offered throughout the
country, at prices which often cause doubts of their quality. Gold, it
is true, remains at the same standard value; but silver is one-fifth
lower in price. Several causes have acted together, resulting in this
considerable reduction in retail selling prices of both gold and
silver goods. First, workmen’s prices are much lower, although their
total weekly earnings are not materially altered. This is effected by
mechanical improvements; by the larger quantities of one pattern made
at once; and by the employment of girls and youths under men. Secondly,
the rates of profit realised by manufacturer, factor, and shopkeeper
are lower. Lastly, diamonds and some other gems extensively used are
much lower in price, especially their second and third qualities, than
at date of last report.
DISTRIBUTION.--as a rule, manufacturing jewellers neither cultivate
trade with shopkeepers nor with the private purchaser, but sell to
the factors, or middle men. A factor sees all their stocks, selecting
from each to compose his own, and so offers a better variety to the
shopkeepers throughout the kingdom than could otherwise be done.
There are in Birmingham about fifty of such factors. But the line of
demarcation is somewhat indefinite, because many of them manufacture
certain specialities for themselves. Still the system is the best under
present circumstances, and works on the whole to the mutual good of
all parties. The factors in London, and merchants generally, are also
large purchasers from Birmingham manufacturers. The Post Office is the
chief engine of distribution for small parcels, and all little orders
and repairs. Two private firms, however, do a considerable business by
collecting, through agents, in London, Coventry, and Birmingham, small
jewellery parcels, conveying them by rail, and then delivering them
very quickly and cheaply in those towns. The losses are practically
nil, although perfect shoals of such little packages are despatched and
delivered daily by these means, together with the railways.