K.V.R. Albertson, the well-known Australian representative of the Meriden Britannia Co, who died at Melbourne on the 6th inst., from the effects of an operation for cancer of the tongue, was at one time with N. Matson & Co., of this city, later a a traveling salesman in the west for Simpson, Hall, Miller & Co., with whom he remained for several years, afterward taking the agency of the company in Australia. Twelve years ago he entered the employ of the Meriden Britannia Co., as Australian agent, New Zealand also being included in his territory. Through his long connection with the silver interests Mr. Albertson made hosts of friends in the trade. He was a man of commanding presence and pleasing personality. The father and mother of the deceased reside in Maywood, a suburb of this city, and the remains will be brought here for interment.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 23rd January 1895
This would be the firm of William Davis, a founder member of the Manufacturing Jewellers' Association of Victoria which was founded in 1889. His mark was a 'Leopard's Head' and was used in conjunction With the Association's guarantee stamps.
William Davis was in business at 119, Chapel Street, Windsor, in 1880 and relocated to 137, Chapel street, Windsor, in 1882. He was listed at 114, Elizabeth Street from 1892, and by 1916 the firm had relocated to 340, Little Collins Street. The business was incorporated as W. Davis & Son Pty. Ltd. in 1923, it became W. Davis and Son (Jewellers) Pty. Ltd. in 1948. At some point in the 1950's the the firm removed to 94, Elizabeth Street, Melbourne.
BARNCASTLE, Albert P., LIMITED—Regd. 9.8.20. No. 73887. Capital: £50,000 in £1 shares. Objects: To adopt an agreement dated 29.7 20 between Albert P. Barncastle, Ltd., of the first part, George Arthur Parkhill of the second part, and Albert Percy Barncastle as representing the Company of the other part, and to carry on the business of manufacturers and importers of watchmakers’ materials, etc. Subscribers to Memo, of Assn.: Albert Percy Barncastle, John Francis Lauchlan, John G. Prescott, Henry J. D. Barncastle, William Lawrence Langdon, Charles F. G. Barncastle and George Arthur Parkhill (1 share each). First Permanent Directors: Albert Percy Barncastle and John Francis Lauchlan. Regd. Office: Sydney.
Source: Dun's Gazette - 23rd August 1920
BARNCASTLE, Albert P., LIMITED—By resolution confirmed 29.7.20, the Company to be wound up voluntarily with a view to reconstruction under the same name. G. A. Parkhill, A.C.P.A., liquidator. Regd. 7.8.20. No. 72847.
Source: Dun's Gazette - 23rd August 1920
NEW YORK
Among the callers at the offices of The Jewelers’ Circular during the past week was Alfred P. Barncastle, dealer in jewelers’ supplies, Sydney, Australia. Mr. Barncastle is here on a trip and is making his headquarters at the Hotel Pennsylvania. He will leave shortly for the Pacific Coast, from Where he will sail for home.
WILLIS AND SONS Pty Ltd. (WILLIS & SONS Ltd. - CH. FAJNKIND & SON ENTERPRISES Pty Ltd.)
York Street, later, 6th floor, National Mutual Centre, 44 Market Street, Sydney and Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane
Two Melbourne jewellery and watch companies, Willis & Sons Ltd and Ch. Fajnkind & Son Enterprises Pty Ltd, have merged and will trade under the name Willis and Sons Pty Ltd.
The managing director of the new company is Mr. Wolf Fajnkind who said the company would maintain certain lines such as Rolex, Orient, Heuer and Tudor watches, Mikimoto pearls and Whiting and Davis products.
In addition the company would expand its Bohemia glass and crystal range and would carry diamond rings and gold and silver jewellery. Mr. Fajnkind said.
The new company's line-up is: Australian sales manager, Mr Leon Puckeridge; general products manager, Mr Craig Stevens; product managers, Mr Les Roberts (watches), Mr Alec Deans (Mikimoto pearls) and Mr Bruce Trevena (Whiting and Davis).
The company have plans to open a Perth office and was now operating offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane.
The Sydney office was being moved from its York Street location to the 6th floor, National Mutual Centre, 44 Market Street, Sydney. The telephone number would be (02) 292558.
Mr Fajnkind said the company planned national television and consumer press advertising in the next 12 months with a substantial advertising budget.
Source: Jeweller Watchmaker & Giftware - June 1980
Australian Jewelers Reported to Have Established a Hall-Marking Institution at Sydney, N. S. W.
The Retail Jewelers’ Association of Australia has established a hall-marking company in Sydney with the purpose of inducing all manufacturers in Australia to adopt the Hall-mark system now in operation in most civilized countries, says the New York Times.
The company intends to follow in close detail the practice of the English Hall-Mark Company. The mark registered for gold is the “Kookaburra,” and for silver the “Wren.”