Re: Mr William Adams
Hi roy
I think that expalins it. I was looking at before WW1. The 1921 Kellys does not mention it, but the 1932 Kellys (the next one that I have) lists William Adams Ltd, manufacturing silversmiths, 207-211 Barr St. they are there till at least 1946, but in 1949 have extended a bit to 207-213 Barr St. They stay there till at least 1956, but in 1962-69 they are at 52 Gt Hampton St. However 1971-73 (the last Kellys) they are Adams .W Ltd, silverware, 40 Vittoria St.
As to earlier existence, I think it extremely unlikely that thye would not be in the directories. Therefore there are two possibilities, that the firm was not then in birmingham, or that it had a different name. I can make no suggestions as to the first posibility, though the wiliam that began this thread (if it is the same one) did apparently come from sheffield (see earlier post), and this is also a centre for silverware. As to the other posibility, in the 1921 Kellys, there is mention of a W.J.Adams, which just says “see Candelant & Adams”. Candelant & Adams are listed as a 121 Branston St since before 1890, but are still at 121 in 1932, when William Adams is in existence, so I think thisn unlikely. I think the firm being in another town is more likely. If you want any earlier dates for Candelent & Adams then let me know
Mike