Someone who we were keen to help was John Manley in his search for Miller knowledge he has kindly written with an update:

MILLER update

A William Miller badge of Hylton Street has turned up.  Many thanks to Peter Evans for selling it to me.  The mark is:-

MILLER

HYLTON ST

B'HAM.

Bob Mandry has given me some more details on William Miller who was Mayor of Solihull, and details of some other Miller marks.  The first mark is an H with smaller W and M's in between the H.

 

The other mark is two vertical diamonds side by side with a W and M in each.  Both designs are symmetrical and interestingly read both ways up.

 

THOMAS FATTORINI

Second only to Miller badges, Thomas Fattorini is a long established firm still going strong today.  They boost a starting date of 1827.  The firms of Thomas Fattorini, and Fattorini & Sons were separate and competed with each other until they merged in 1983.  They can trace their origins however to a common Fattorini ancestor in the 19th century, and there was a Frank Fattorini for a short period in the 1950's.  I'll cover the marks of Fattorini & Sons next badger. 

Unlike Miller the firm of Thomas Fattorini also produced other items as well as badges, including civic Regalia and Presentation caskets.  This diverse range of products has probably been a contributing factor in their survival.  The marks of Thomas Fattorini are numerous with lots of variations.  However they were initially based in Skipton, before opening premises in Bolton.  In 1915 they opened a manufacturing workshop in Birmingham.  It would appear that the Bolton shop was retained for a period.  Initially based in Hockley Street, Birmingham they moved to Regent Street in 1930 where they continue today.  They also had offices in London and other cities.  It is therefore possible to date badges, especially the pre-war ones.  The commonest mark was however used from 1933 to 1961.  If any one has dates of pre-1924 badges information would be most welcome as I have many gaps.

 Many lapel fitting Thomas Fattorini badges have the registration numbers 632818 and 638232 on them.  These, I believe, refer to the design of the crescent moon fitting, and not the design on the front.  Both numbers correspond to a registration date of 1914.

 Simplified

 

THOS FATTORINI SKIPTON & BOLTON	Straight	1911
THOMAS FATTORINI MEDALIST BOLTON	Curved
THOMAS FATTORINI BOLTON	Curved	W.W.I
THOMAS FATTORINI BIRMINGHAM	Curved	(1915)
THOMAS FATTORINI BIRMINGHAM LTD	Curved	1922
THOMAS FATTORINI HOCKLEY ST (BIRMINGHAM) LTD	TF and B'Ham forming an Oval	1924-1929
THOMAS FATTORINI LIMITED BIRMINGHAM	TF and B'Ham forming an Oval	1930-1933
THOMAS FATTORINI LTD REGENT ST BIRMINGHAM	TF and B'Ham forming an Oval	1933-1961
THOMAS FATTORINI REGENT ST. BIRMINGHAM	TF and B'Ham forming an Oval. several types	1964-1983

In addition to the marks listed in this very good article there is also: THOMAS FATTORINI LTD REGENT ST BIRMINGHAM (First and third lines forming an oval) (Note that 'LTD' is on top line)  -  sorry, no date possible This mark is on one of the NUTG  TG badges (Nat Union Townswomen's Guild).  The badge also has the Reg. No. 750257 but, from the badge construction it would appear to be much later than the reg. no.  The same no. is also on a NUTG TG Secretary badge with no makers' mark. Of the two badges, the brooch pins are of different style, the metals are different, one badge is 'domed', the other flat with scroll (Secretary), the pearled edges are different  -  so I am left wondering if the reg. no. refers to the artwork design of the face (the NUTG TG logo and wreath) or perhaps the fitting used by the manufacturer. This number 750257 can be found on other badges such as YMCA BRITISH BOYS FOR BRITISH FARMS buttonhole badge with this mark and the number 2187 stamped on it as well.

The photograph ofThomas Fattorini's premises below was taken in 2006 by Richard Bussien

Miller Badges

 

From information on known dated Miller badges it is clear that they used a variety of different marks on the backs, which changed over time.  I’ve also used the trade directories to establish where they were at known dates in a continuous series.  With snippets of information from fellow collectors I can now say that the following is, I believe a fairly accurate listing.

 

William Miller was listed in the 1881 census, aged 5, the son of a silver locket maker of Birmingham.   He is first listed in the Birmingham trade directories in 1921 at 21 Hylton Street, Birmingham, and was there until 1924.  Has any one ever seen a Miller badge with this address on it??  I’d be most interested to see one.  In 1925 he had moved to 118 Branston Street, where the firm stayed until 1978.  The firm was taken over by Toye Kenning and Spencer in 1974, and was shut in 1978.

H.W. Miller Ltd -by Bob Barker (The four photographs shown in this article were taken byand are copyright Bob Barker )

Harry Miller Snr lived in Perry Barr, a small village to the north of Birmingham , now it is just a suburb of that City. He was connected to Cannock Colliery. Cannock is a few miles to the north of Birmingham . Whether he was a Director or manager, I do not know, however, he was a wealthy man. His favourite nephew was Albert Morris, my maternal grandfather. To supplement his income, Albert, who worked for The Dunlop Rubber Company in Birmingham , used to act as gardener for Harry Snr. When Harry Snr died c1935, he left Albert £25.00 in his will, a tidy sum in those days, and a mark of the affection in which Albert was held.

Harry Snr had one child, Harry William. Both Christian names run through most of our family lines. I do not know the actual date of Harry's birth, presumably sometime in the late 1880's, possibly early 1890's. Judging by the sample drawings and sketches I saw, he was a talented artist. Harry Snr, I would think, wanted his son to learn a useful trade, so perhaps it was he that suggested Harry put that ability into some aspect of the ‘metal bashing' trade, that Birmingham was noted for.Harry William Miller was a trained die sinker, I recall seeing his apprentice indentures, but I do not remember where he was apprenticed to, but it was a company in Birmingham .

For some years after he had completed his apprenticeship, he worked as a die sinker with the company that trained him. He then worked as a jobbing die sinker eventually starting his own Company, which became H.W. Miller Ltd. and began making badges with a small number of employees. Over the years the Company became the most successful and respected manufacturer of metal and enamel badges.

Quality of product was the aim of the Company. This process began with the die, at which Harry was a true artist. As the Company expanded, many apprentices were trained and employed in this art, and if they chose to move on, the provenance that they had worked for Millers was a certain passport to further employment in that trade.

The enamelling process was approached with the same requirement of quality. The women doing this work were highly skilled, and a job at Millers was thought of as the pinnacle of their trade. I recall the name of Florry Baker, who was not only the most accomplished, but typically had the highest output of any. In it's heyday in the late sixties, some fifty or so were employed in enamelling.

The premises in Branston Street comprised 114-116 & 118. The buildings were Victorian and were a rabbit warren of rooms, passages, stairs and cellars, a veritable fire hazard and would surely be shut by the fire safety officer today !

Harry Miller began the Company himself. He did not work for his father or take over the firm from his father. It is not unreasonable to think that Harry Snr provided the initial capital for the founding of the Company, although I have no proof that he did so. Harry remained in control of the firm up until a few years before his death in the 1970's, he was in his eighties. He was married twice, and survived both wives. He had one daughter, Joan, by his first wife. She was a director of the Company, but did not have a very active role and gave secretarial services and acted as personal assistant to Harry, and it was she who nursed him in his later years. She did not marry and died in the 1980's and has no decendants.

From the mid 1930's, one George Henry Porter, was General Manager, and continued in this role, apart from WWII when he was in the Army in India , up until 1970, when he became a Director. He remained a Director, along with, Joan, until the business closed in about 1977. The dies and tools were bought by Toye, Kenning and Spencer Ltd, also of Hockley.

Harry Miller was George Porter's uncle. They were both my great uncles. We are related through my mother's side of the family. For many years Harry was a prominent member of Solihull council. He was indeed Lord Mayor, he held this post three times, which I think shows the respect in which he was held.

At the end of the Company's existence, they had cut almost 10,000 dies. They made badges for, amongst many others, The Boys Brigade, The Girls Brigade, The English Bowling Association, The Indoor Bowling Association, The National Association of Round Tables, The National Small Bore Rifle Association, hundreds of crown green bowling clubs, both in Britain and abroad. Indeed, the mainstay of the business, was bowling clubs. Toch H was also a customer. As was The Duke of Edinburgh 's Award. Inecto, Vauxhall Motors, Cadillac, Rover, Start Rite Shoes, National Traction Engine Club, The Royal Airforce, the list goes on and on. Over the years, Millers made literally millions of Robertson's Gollies. An order could call for 10,000 to 100,000 of certain types. But every type of club

and association was catered for. Some customers would have a clear idea of what their badge should look like, but many were original designs by Harry or George Porter, incorporating some theme or other specified by the client. Very many special items were made in gold, silver and enamel, for Presidents of clubs and societies.

The suggestion that Harry made some things ‘at cost' is erroneous. Harry was a business man, and was wealthy by his own efforts, he did not believe in supplying his goods to anyone on a break even basis. Although he may have made donations to various charities, this did not extend to his business dealings. He undoubtedly loved his work, but his motive was profit, first and last.

The trade mark was, I think, registered in the early sixties. It consisted of a large ‘H', with ‘w' in the top fork and ‘m' in the lower. This could be read the same, right way up, or upside down. I do not know if Harry or George designed this, but knowing George as I did, I suspect that it was his work. I'm sure he would have told me if he had been responsible, but I have no memory of it after all these years. Prior to this being used, H. Miller, H.W. Miller and Miller had been used as identifying marks. Often, ‘B'ham 18', is under the name.

I've not been to Branston Street for many years, but I understand that number 118 still stands, as do other properties in that end of the street, as they have been preserved. What 118 is currently used for, I do not know. Written by Bob Barker (Robert William Henry)

The photograph of Branston Street below was taken in 2006 by Richard Bussien

The MILLER backstamp marks are different for lapel fittings, but the wording is the same.  There issome over lap between the marks, and I'm lacking data on the early ones.  However the following table is fairly accurate, but I welcome comment.  Beware that most badges can not easily be dated.  I've only used conference and other badges that can be accurately dated. 

Miller curved	Miller straight	Dates
	Wm.MILLER 118 BRANSTON ST. B’HAM
	W.MILLER 118 BRANSTON ST. BIRMINGHAM	1928
W.MILLER 118 BRANSTON ST. B’HAM	W.MILLER 118 BRANSTON ST. B’HAM	1929-1932
MILLER 118 BRANSTON ST. B’HAM	MILLER 118 BRANSTON ST. B’HAM	1931-1934
H.W.MILLER LTD BRANSTON ST. B’HAM.18	H.W.MILLER LTD BRANSTON ST. B’HAM.18	1935-1958
H.W.MILLER LTD B’HAM.18	H.W.MILLER LTD B’HAM.18	1957-1974 (1976)
	H.W.M.	1935-1974

 

Millers were, incidentally, responsible for about 17% of the total number of designs.  I’m also producing data on the marks of Thomas Fattorini, and Fattorini & Sons.  The marks of the firm of Fattorini and Sons, an entirely different firm from Thomas Fattorini, until 1983, are more numerous.  If any one has data on these and some of the other badge manufacturers I’d be very interested.

 Fattorini & Sons

 

In 1881 John Fattorini of Manningham, Yorkshire near Bradford was a goldsmith employing 12 men and 2 boys.  At that time he had several sons who later joined him to become Fattorini & Sons.  Fattorini and Sons started off in Bradford before moving to Birmingham.  They are first listed in the Birmingham trade directories in 1917.  They produced a wide range of badges over the years and were acquired by their namesake Thomas Fattorini in 1983.  They also had offices in London and Glasgow, with the Glasgow mark occasionally featuring on the badges.

 

Birmingham Trade Directories

1916, Not listed

1917-1918, Fattorini & Sons, 13 Pitsford Street, Birmingham

1919-1927, Fattorini & Sons, 11 & 13 Pitsford Street, Birmingham

1928-1932, Fattorini & Sons, Bradford House, Hockley Hill, Birmingham

1933-1948, Fattorini & Sons, Bradford Works, Barr Street, Birmingham

1949-1972⁺, Fattorini & Sons, Bradford Works, 36 Barr Street, Birmingham

 

Marks

Unlike most manufacturers there are many marks that can be used to date Fattorini & Sons badges, especially early on.  Look out for the presence and absence, and differences between the abbreviated limited, as they are several subtle differences.  The word House and Works is also a clue.  The abbreviations of F&S are frequently used where there is limited room on the badges and co-exist with the full name.  This is a much simplified table and the arrangement of wording may be important in dating.  Note that the Bradford mark was used well after the Birmingham factory was opened.  For example there are numerous badges with the wording arranged in a circle, but I do not have any dated badges with these marks.  There are many gaps that need filling in, so get those badges out.  Those in bold appear to form a 'continuous' series with some overlaps.

 

FATTORINI & SONS BRADFORD	1908-1928
FATTORINI BRADFORD	1911-1913
FATTORINI & SONS LTD BRADFORD
FATTORINI & SONS LTD BRADFORD HOUSE BIRMINGHAM	1928-1932
FATTORINI & SONS BRADFORD HOUSE BIRMINGHAM	1931-1935
FATTORINI & SONS LTD BRADFORD WORKS BIRMINGHAM	1933-1939	& B'HAM
FATTORINI & SONS LD BRADFORD WORKS BIRMINGHAM	1945-1954	& B'HAM
FATTORINI & SONS LD 36 BARR ST. BIRMINGHAM	1954-1960	& B'HAM With & without 36.
FATTORINI & SONS LD 36 BARR ST B'HAM	1961	In irregular hexagon.  Also LTD
FATTORINI & SONS 36 BARR ST. B'HAM	1962-1967
FATTORINI & SONS 36 BARR ST BIRMINGHAM	1967-1970	Plain and in oblong
F & S	1964
F & S B'HAM	1960-1962
F & S LTD BARR ST. B'HAM	1959
FATTORINI GLASGOW
FATTORINI & SON GLASGOW	1936
FATTORINI & SON LTD 170 HOPE ST. GLASGOW
FATTORINI & SONS LTD		Curved

Update-kindly supplied by Mike Short : Congratulations on a really useful article on the marks of the two Fattorinis. The mark F&S / B'HAM (on two lines) is shown as 1960-62.  I regularly sell badges on ebay and am about to list a badge that was produced by the National Union of Vehicle Builders for their 125th Anniversary in 1959.  On checking the mark I found it had the mark F&S / BHAM (on 2 lines).  Note no apostrophe in BHAM This shield badge is red and blue enamel on chrome with a central blunt screw-threaded pin with a brass circular milled edge screw-fastener whose inner face has a 'spiked' crown. 

The photograph of the former Fattorini & Sons premises below was taken in 2006 by Richard Bussien