Vintage 1940s 50s faux tortoise shell and leather finger ring box by H Samuel. A lovely box which would make a fantastic display piece (ring not included, illustration only).
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Some age related wear
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4 cm square
3 cm tall
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H. Samuel began in 1862 as a clock-making and silversmith business run by Moses and Lewis Samuel in Liverpool. It was later taken over by Moses's daughter-in-law, Harriet Samuel, in 1862, who renamed it H. Samuel and expanded it into a mail-order business in Manchester. The company grew from there, opening its first stores in 1890 and eventually becoming the large, UK-wide retailer it is today, now owned by Signet Jewelers.
Timeline of H. Samuel's history
1862: Harriet Samuel takes over her father-in-law's Liverpool business, renames it H. Samuel, and starts a mail-order operation in Manchester.
1890: The first H. Samuel retail stores open in Preston and Rochdale.
1912: To accommodate growth, the company moves its headquarters to a larger site in Birmingham.
1940-1945: The company continues to operate and grow during World War II.
1948: H. Samuel is listed on the London Stock Exchange. By this time, it is known as the "Empire's largest jewellers" with over 200 stores.
1984: The company doubles its UK presence by acquiring the James Walker Group.
1985-1993: A merger with the Ratner Group expands the company to 550 stores before it is restructured and renamed Signet Group.
1993-present: H. Samuel operates as part of Signet Jewellers Ltd, which is the world's largest specialist jeweller.
