Silver cigarette box

Spondon Colour Works Silver cigarette box with porcelain lid featuring painted image of Leech, Neal & Co.’s Spondon Colour Works and which is currently (2022) on display in the Throwing Room at the Museum of Making, Silk Mill, Derby. It was presented to retiring owning partner in the firm, Thomas Neal, in 1889. The inscription engraved on the inside of the lid reads ‘Spondon 1889: Presented to Thomas Neal Esq. as a Mark of Esteem & Regard from His Sincere Friend, H.J.S.’ Hallmarks on the base show it was assayed by the Sheffield assay office in 1888 and made by Henry Atkin (Atkin Brothers), Truro Works, Matilda Street, Sheffield. Footnote: HJS is almost certainly Henry John STAPLES (1861-1919) who was a director of the company. At the 1891 census he was single living in Brandy Lane, Spondon with two servants and occupation given as Colour Manufacturer. Not traced in the 1901 census but he is found in the 1911 census aged 51 married living in The Old Hall Spondon with occupation listed as Retired Colour Manufacturer.