Thomason’s Button and Toy Manufactory, Church Street, Birmingham
Edward Thomason’s Manufactory is described in Bisset’s Directory (p 58) as a “Button and Toy-maker in general” who also made “Patent Gun and Pistol Cocks, Patent Carriage-steps etc.” The advert itself notes that the business has available “for Exportation all kinds of Buttons, Watch Chains, Ear rings, Necklaces, Seals, Keys, Faux montres, and all such kinds of Toys.”
The engraving is in two parts. At the top a carriage is displayed on a classical plinth draped with laurel leaves. The wording on the plinth draws attention to “Thomason’s Patent Steps for Carriages”. The vehicle is shown with its door open and steps descending. Within the base of the plinth there is an image of the trigger mechanism of a firearm. On either side the text reads “Also his Patent Cocks for Gun and Pistol Locks”.
The lower section of the advert portrays Thomason’s warehouse in Church Street, Birmingham with a carriage outside. The lion and the unicorn and Prince of Wales mottos: “ Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense” (Evil to him who evil thinks) and “Dieu Et Mon Droit” (God and what is right)” are emblazoned in the foreground.
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