Wynn, masonic jeweller, grandads trade

[zena58]

hi
my grandad william lewis was a masonic jeweller, working for a company called wynns(i think). from after ww2 till he retired, he worked with silver and gold, but i dont think they were in the jewelley quarter. does any one know anything about them and what they did, and do they still trade
thanks
zena

 

[BernardR]

Well as a Masonic Jeweller he would have been involved in the making of the symbols uses by Freemasons. If you click on this link it will take you to images of such jewellery - LINK

This may be the one - J.H. Wynn Ltd, jewellers, are listed in a 1968 Birmingham telephone directory at 186 Soho Hill, Birmingham, so the company founded by Wynn was in business in 1967.

I too have this same query. A gold Masonic ring. J.H.W 9 .375 anchor and italic S

John Henry Wynn, of 42/44 Hylton Street, Birmingham. Then Soho Hill


Taken from the Silver Forums site.



They were founded around 1899

 

[zena58]

thank you bernard that sounds like the place dad said and 1967 would have been about the time he retired
he made my signate ring but unfortunatly i cant get it off to check the hallmark(unless some extreem dieting is put in force)
will chek out the link now
thanks again
zena

 

[Penny Wynn]

Hi Zena, I came across this site by accident and saw your post. I am the Great Grand-Daughter of John Henry Wynn and the Jewellery factory was originally located on Soho Hill, then moved to Hylton Street in the Jewellery Quarter, after a number of attempted burglaries at Soho Hill it was deemed safer to move to the Jewellery Quarter, especially since the factory had a glass roof. Eventually the factory moved from Hylton Street to the Big Peg in the Jewellery Quarter and closed down in the early 90's. All sorts of jewellery was manufactured at the company, the main products made were Masonic jewellery, signet rings and cufflinks. At the time your father would have been working for John Henry on Soho Hill, my Great-Grandfather, Grandfather, my two Great Aunts and my Great Uncle would also have been working in the factory at the same time, along with my Great Cousin who was factory manager. They really supported their staff during and after the war and I have had the opportunity to meet with someone who also worked in the factory at this time and told me that they had really fond memories of J. H Wynn. Hope this gives you a little bit more information. All the best, Penny Wynn

 

[Scottylar]

Hi Zena, I came across this site by accident and saw your post. I am the Great Grand-Daughter of John Henry Wynn and the Jewellery factory was originally located on Soho Hill, then moved to Hylton Street in the Jewellery Quarter, after a number of attempted burglaries at Soho Hill it was deemed safer to move to the Jewellery Quarter, especially since the factory had a glass roof. Eventually the factory moved from Hylton Street to the Big Peg in the Jewellery Quarter and closed down in the early 90's. All sorts of jewellery was manufactured at the company, the main products made were Masonic jewellery, signet rings and cufflinks. At the time your father would have been working for John Henry on Soho Hill, my Great-Grandfather, Grandfather, my two Great Aunts and my Great Uncle would also have been working in the factory at the same time, along with my Great Cousin who was factory manager. They really supported their staff during and after the war and I have had the opportunity to meet with someone who also worked in the factory at this time and told me that they had really fond memories of J. H Wynn. Hope this gives you a little bit more information. All the best, Penny Wynn

Hi Penny, I found a silver signet ring whilst metal detecting today that has the markings ‘JHW 9CT ON SILVER’ on the inside of the band. I’d love to be able to date it a little more accurately. Do you know if there is any way of telling when a particular ring might have been made from the style of the ring or by the markings on it please? I thought it was a fairly modern piece to begin with & as you said that the factory was working into the 90’s, it still might be, but I’d love if it if it was a little earlier. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

 

[Penny Wynn]

Hi Scotty, The engraving on the ring look really familiar. I think that is definitely one of ours. I will see my dad Alan Wynn tomorrow morning and I will show him the pictures and hopefully he will be able to let you know when it was made. How exiting that you found it, where did you find it? Regards, Penny

 

[Scottylar]

Hi Scotty, The engraving on the ring look really familiar. I think that is definitely one of ours. I will see my dad Alan Wynn tomorrow morning and I will show him the pictures and hopefully he will be able to let you know when it was made. How exiting that you found it, where did you find it? Regards, Penny

That’s fantastic Penny, thank you so much. I found it in a field that I’ve been given permission to detect in Shard End. It’s only down the road from me as I’m in Castle Bromwich. I’ve found lots of pre decimal coins too dating from the reign of Victoria right through to modern coinage. So I can’t really use the coins to try and gauge a date for the ring either. I’d love to know a rough date for it if it’s at all possible please. It’s a beautiful little ring & it fits my wife perfectly, so I’m guessing that it’s a ladies ring. Any help or information you may be able to provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much. Hopefully I’ll hear from you soon

 

[Penny Wynn]

Hi Scotty, I showed Alan your photos today and he agreed that the ring is definitely on of ours and that it would be gold on the outside and silver on the inside. He did recognise the pattern of the engraving and told me that it was not a pattern that was engraved 80's/90's, as far as he could remember, so would be before then. He also told me that the ring could not be dated, which is a shame, but what a great find. Penny

 

[Scottylar]

Hi Scotty, I showed Alan your photos today and he agreed that the ring is definitely on of ours and that it would be gold on the outside and silver on the inside. He did recognise the pattern of the engraving and told me that it was not a pattern that was engraved 80's/90's, as far as he could remember, so would be before then. He also told me that the ring could not be dated, which is a shame, but what a great find. Penny

Thank you so, so much Penny, I really appreciate you taking the time to help me with this. That’s brill. I was really hoping that it was older than me & if it’s unlikely to be 80’s or 90’s, then it stands a good chance that it could well be. Regardless of age, I think it’s beautiful & I’m happy to have been the person to have found it & continue its story. Thanks again Penny, I really do appreciate it

 

[zena58]

Hi Zena, I came across this site by accident and saw your post. I am the Great Grand-Daughter of John Henry Wynn and the Jewellery factory was originally located on Soho Hill, then moved to Hylton Street in the Jewellery Quarter, after a number of attempted burglaries at Soho Hill it was deemed safer to move to the Jewellery Quarter, especially since the factory had a glass roof. Eventually the factory moved from Hylton Street to the Big Peg in the Jewellery Quarter and closed down in the early 90's. All sorts of jewellery was manufactured at the company, the main products made were Masonic jewellery, signet rings and cufflinks. At the time your father would have been working for John Henry on Soho Hill, my Great-Grandfather, Grandfather, my two Great Aunts and my Great Uncle would also have been working in the factory at the same time, along with my Great Cousin who was factory manager. They really supported their staff during and after the war and I have had the opportunity to meet with someone who also worked in the factory at this time and told me that they had really fond memories of J. H Wynn. Hope this gives you a little bit more information. All the best, Penny Wynn

Thank you penny my grandad died 1974 but i can remember him talking about his job he seems to have really liked it. P.s had to have my ring cut off because i cut my hand and it swelled badly, hope i can get it repaired regards zena

 

[Morturn]

Thank you penny my grandad died 1974 but i can remember him talking about his job he seems to have really liked it. P.s had to have my ring cut off because i cut my hand and it swelled badly, hope i can get it repaired regards zena

Sorry to hear about your ring. A decent jeweller will be able to repair it.

 

[I Am Nico]

I think this design is pretty popular isn't it. I am wearing a similar one from Samuels. I can't get it off to look at it! I wanted one as near as I could to MY gandad's which has a symmetrical pattern instead and a big dent in the middle as he wore it for work, he never took it off. He would have had his from about 1929.
One of my uncles was a Jeweller in the Jewellery Quarter after the war and onwards. He found it tiring. Engraving and making jewellery. Not well paid said his son, who carried on the trade for a while but gave it up. A very interesting post Thank you.

 

[graigwoodexile]

Hi Scotty, The engraving on the ring look really familiar. I think that is definitely one of ours. I will see my dad Alan Wynn tomorrow morning and I will show him the pictures and hopefully he will be able to let you know when it was made. How exiting that you found it, where did you find it? Regards, Penny

Good evening Penny

I was wondering if this ring is one made by your family.

If so I have a very interesting tale to tell

 

[Henry Wyyn]

Today's Observer has a great article about the jewellery quarter in Birmingham (page 9). My great grandfather was Henry James Wynn, and he was a "gold cutter" in the jewellery quarter. So you can imagine my excitement with a forum full of Wynns. We have a photograph of him somewhere in the family. I nearly fell off my chair to see BernardR's mention of "John Henry Wynn, of 42/44 Hylton Street, Birmingham" because the picture in Observer article features Hylton street. My grandfather, Henry James Wynn's son, was William Henry Wynn. So I guess I must be related to you, Penny. By one of those rare coincidence Willy Wynn (as he was knicknamed) was Professor of Medicine at QE2 Hospital in Birmingham, specialising in pandemics, and was mentioned in New Times article at the start of the covid19 epidemic.
Cheers,
Henry

 

[Tinpot]

Today's Observer has a great article about the jewellery quarter in Birmingham (page 9). My great grandfather was Henry James Wynn, and he was a "gold cutter" in the jewellery quarter. So you can imagine my excitement with a forum full of Wynns. We have a photograph of him somewhere in the family. I nearly fell off my chair to see BernardR's mention of "John Henry Wynn, of 42/44 Hylton Street, Birmingham" because the picture in Observer article features Hylton street. My grandfather, Henry James Wynn's son, was William Henry Wynn. So I guess I must be related to you, Penny. By one of those rare coincidence Willy Wynn (as he was knicknamed) was Professor of Medicine at QE2 Hospital in Birmingham, specialising in pandemics, and was mentioned in New Times article at the start of the covid19 epidemic.
Cheers,
Henry

Some concern expressed in the article regarding the increased redevelopment of premises for housing and the effect on price/availability of workplace premises. Can be read on line.

 

[mikejee]

Online version of the article here:

Birmingham cultural gem at risk as developers eye jewellery quarter

An industrial hub for 200 years, the area’s historic workshops are being turned into flats

www.theguardian.com

 

[oldbrit]

MY Grandfather worked at the Carriage Works all his life, lived in Smethwick in the same Council house all his life.

 

[Penny Wynn]

Today's Observer has a great article about the jewellery quarter in Birmingham (page 9). My great grandfather was Henry James Wynn, and he was a "gold cutter" in the jewellery quarter. So you can imagine my excitement with a forum full of Wynns. We have a photograph of him somewhere in the family. I nearly fell off my chair to see BernardR's mention of "John Henry Wynn, of 42/44 Hylton Street, Birmingham" because the picture in Observer article features Hylton street. My grandfather, Henry James Wynn's son, was William Henry Wynn. So I guess I must be related to you, Penny. By one of those rare coincidence Willy Wynn (as he was knicknamed) was Professor of Medicine at QE2 Hospital in Birmingham, specialising in pandemics, and was mentioned in New Times article at the start of the covid19 epidemic.
Cheers,
Henry

Today's Observer has a great article about the jewellery quarter in Birmingham (page 9). My great grandfather was Henry James Wynn, and he was a "gold cutter" in the jewellery quarter. So you can imagine my excitement with a forum full of Wynns. We have a photograph of him somewhere in the family. I nearly fell off my chair to see BernardR's mention of "John Henry Wynn, of 42/44 Hylton Street, Birmingham" because the picture in Observer article features Hylton street. My grandfather, Henry James Wynn's son, was William Henry Wynn. So I guess I must be related to you, Penny. By one of those rare coincidence Willy Wynn (as he was knicknamed) was Professor of Medicine at QE2 Hospital in Birmingham, specialising in pandemics, and was mentioned in New Times article at the start of the covid19 epidemic.
Cheers,
Henry

Hi Henry, We possibly could be related. There are a couple of William Wynn's in our family tree. There were two brothers who moved to Birmingham City Centre in about 1830 from Solihull, both had large families and one of the brothers was called William Wynn, who was my Great, Great, Great Grandfather. My Great, Great Grandfather was also called William Wynn. I have asked my dad if he could remember, or knew of Henry James Wynn and he told me that he didn't know him, however Henry may have been a descendent from the two brothers who moved to Birmingham. Penny

 

[Penny Wynn]

Good evening Penny

I was wondering if this ring is one made by your family.

If so I have a very interesting tale to tell

Hi, The pictures are a bit blurry, so I cannot make out the Hall Mark. If the Hall Mark is J.H.W and there is a picture of an anchor, then it would be a ring from J.H Wynn. Penny

 

[graigwoodexile]

Thanks Penny
I'll try and send them again
My wife's uncle was on a Japanese Prisoner of War ship which was sunk and he was rescued by a Chinese Fisherman. He gave him his cygnet ring and we think this may be the one.
That's a very abridged part of the story obviously.
If it is one of J.H. Wynn's could you confirm the initials please.
Thanks ever so much for replying

Kind regards

Peter

 

[Eric Gibson]

I can't find the maker initials in my book but the hallmark appears to be Chester 1912-13
The book says the items were only hallmarked in Chester and largely made in Birmingham

 

[pjmburns]

According to post #19 JHW is John Henry Wynn. However - I don't think the H is very clear.

 

[Eric Gibson]

J. H. Wynn​

of 42 to 46 Hylton Street, Birmingham
1895 Company established.
1914 Goldsmith and jeweller. Specialities: gold expanding watch bracelets in all qualities and patent brooch.

 

[Madison.T]

Hi Zena, I came across this site by accident and saw your post. I am the Great Grand-Daughter of John Henry Wynn and the Jewellery factory was originally located on Soho Hill, then moved to Hylton Street in the Jewellery Quarter, after a number of attempted burglaries at Soho Hill it was deemed safer to move to the Jewellery Quarter, especially since the factory had a glass roof. Eventually the factory moved from Hylton Street to the Big Peg in the Jewellery Quarter and closed down in the early 90's. All sorts of jewellery was manufactured at the company, the main products made were Masonic jewellery, signet rings and cufflinks. At the time your father would have been working for John Henry on Soho Hill, my Great-Grandfather, Grandfather, my two Great Aunts and my Great Uncle would also have been working in the factory at the same time, along with my Great Cousin who was factory manager. They really supported their staff during and after the war and I have had the opportunity to meet with someone who also worked in the factory at this time and told me that they had really fond memories of J. H Wynn. Hope this gives you a little bit more information. All the best, Penny Wynn

Hi, I recently got a little jewelry box from my aunt who got it in an online auction, and I've been trying to find the maker of it and noticed on this forum, that a lot of the symbols and designs sounds similar to what everyone here is talking about. Below I've attached a photo, by chance is this one made by your great grandfather?

 

[Eric Gibson]

John Henry Winn Birmingham 1899-1900.

 

[Erikas R]

Hi Scotty, I showed Alan your photos today and he agreed that the ring is definitely on of ours and that it would be gold on the outside and silver on the inside. He did recognise the pattern of the engraving and told me that it was not a pattern that was engraved 80's/90's, as far as he could remember, so would be before then. He also told me that the ring could not be dated, which is a shame, but what a great find. Penny

Hi Penny, I am trying to understand more about the history of a reversible J.H.W masonic ring I bought about a year ago from a local jeweller in Newcastle. Please see the photos. From the markings I managed to find out the ring was made in 1965. The ring has multiple engravings in order of: letter V (sponsor's mark maybe?) / J.H.W / 9 / 365 / Anchor / Q / and 2 engraved stripes at the end. It is great to see there's some history behind it - I am wondering whether there is anything else you might know about the ring?

 

[Sidthesnake]

Hi Penny,
After renovating an old boiler cupboard in the house we've lived in for over 20 years I came across this old signet ring and wondered if it might be possible to see if it was from your family workshop.
It's very oxidated having lived under an old water tank until recently.
There's no 925 mark for silver, or year mark, unless the triangle before J.H.W counts?
Not sure if you'd know, but the underside appears white. Could this have been part of the plating process?
I know it isn't worth much but it was a nice reward for my efforts.
Not the first instance of this with your families products (if it's indeed produced by them), according to the thread I've been reading!
All the best,
Simon

 

[SilasT]

Out of interest with this silver ring that was gifted to me, would this happen to be from John Henry Wynns in Birmingham also?

 

[pjmburns]

JHW is a mark for John Henry Wynn. Is the ring hallmarked?
I think the "p" might be a size letter

 

[SilasT]

JHW is a mark for John Henry Wynn. Is the ring hallmarked?
I think the "p" might be a size letter

No hallmark, p is most likely the size letter yeah, just the jhw silver mark, been unable to find anything online to confirm it is from there though