David Edwards

David Edwards was active as a box maker from 1813 until 1848, when his nephew Thomas Edwards took over the business. From 1813 to 1814 his address was 84 St. James's Street but in 1815 he is listed as a Manufacturer of Writing and Dressing Case maker to the Prince and Princesses, and Sole Inventor of the Patent Military Travelling Cases' at 21, King Street Holborn. This was to remain the company's address until it was eventually bought by Asprey in 1858. King Street is now known as Southampton Row and was considered a good location for the better manufacturers and tradesmen. In 1817 Edwards is noted at 5 Orange Street but as he himself notes that he was on the corner of King and Orange Streets, this may be the same address.

Edwards enjoyed Royal patronage from early on in his history as his 1815 Post Office Directory entry testifies. He is also noted as supplying a number of invoices to the Royal household between 1823 and 1827 and supplied William IV and Queen Victoria.

He is known for the top quality of his boxes from his use of decorative timbers such as Coromandel, Rosewood and Kingwood to the best locks and brass fittings. He also produced outstanding items in Russian leather. The list of items he noted as making included Writing, Dressing, Plate Canteen Cases, Bottle Medicine & Tea Chests, Lady's Work, Jewel and Trinket Boxes, Pocket Books etc. He also repaired old boxes and part exchanged them ... show more

David Edwards was active as a box maker from 1813 until 1848, when his nephew Thomas Edwards took over the business. From 1813 to 1814 his address was 84 St. James's Street but in 1815 he is listed as a Manufacturer of Writing and Dressing Case maker to the Prince and Princesses, and Sole Inventor of the Patent Military Travelling Cases' at 21, King Street Holborn. This was to remain the company's address until it was eventually bought by Asprey in 1858. King Street is now known as Southampton Row and was considered a good location for the better manufacturers and tradesmen. In 1817 Edwards is noted at 5 Orange Street but as he himself notes that he was on the corner of King and Orange Streets, this may be the same address.

Edwards enjoyed Royal patronage from early on in his history as his 1815 Post Office Directory entry testifies. He is also noted as supplying a number of invoices to the Royal household between 1823 and 1827 and supplied William IV and Queen Victoria.

He is known for the top quality of his boxes from his use of decorative timbers such as Coromandel, Rosewood and Kingwood to the best locks and brass fittings. He also produced outstanding items in Russian leather. The list of items he noted as making included Writing, Dressing, Plate Canteen Cases, Bottle Medicine & Tea Chests, Lady's Work, Jewel and Trinket Boxes, Pocket Books etc. He also repaired old boxes and part exchanged them

as well as supplying Combs, Brushes, Cut Glass and Cutlery. When he died in 1848, Thomas took over and was later succeeded by his son Thomas Jeyes Edwards. The company exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and were rewarded with a prize medal for their work.