Golden and Diamond Jubilees

Death of Mrs. Mills – We deeply regret to have to record the death of Mrs. Mills, wife of Rev. William Mills, of Bennington Rectory, Stevenage, formerly curate of Slough, which took place on Thursday, after a long illness at the early age of 44. The deceased lady was the daughter of the late Mr. William Nixey, of “Springfield,” and sister to Mrs. Secker, of Denmark House, Slough.

For Spring Cleaning
Try the Following, Sold Everywhere
Nixey’s Black Lead
Best in World, ½d, 1d., 2d., 4d. and 1s. sizes.
Nixey’s Bag Blue
Ready for use in large Flannelette bags. ½d, and 1d. each. Purest-Best.
Nixey’s Knife Polish
Cutlery like Silver – without wearing, 6d. and 1d. tins.
Nixey’s “Nixelene”
Stove Paste in ½d., 1d., 2d., and 2 ½d., tins.
Nixey’s Berlin Black
Dries Dead – No Smell – for all Ironwork, in 1s., 1s. 6d., and 2s. 6d. Bottles.
Should your Shopkeeper not get them for you, write to
W. G. Nixey, 12 Soho Square, London, W.

Anent the Queen’s diamond jubilee, Mr. W. G. Nixey, of black lead fame, is, we learn, one of those pioneers of commerce who celebrates his jubilee this year – the business which he established, and which has grown to such vast proportions, having now been in existence over half a century. The event to Mr. Nixey is of more than ordinary interest, for he holds Royal warrants from both her Majesty and the Prince of Wales in respect of the household commodities which he manufactures.

ANOTHER HONOUR FOR A WELL-KNOWN HOUSEHOLD COMMODITY
Mr. W. G. Nixey, of black lead fame – who already holds a Royal warrant appointing him sole black lead manufacturer to the Queen – has just been the recipient of an award appointing him black lead manufacturer to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales.

Mr. Nixey had for some time before this carried on business as an oilman at the corner of Moor Street and Dudley Street as they were then called, near where Lockhart’s now is in Cambridge Circus. But when the sale of black lead in block form had vastly increased his business, six houses in Dudley Street were taken for the manufacture of his new invention, and on the same site, now in Shaftesbury Avenue, the factory still is, now, of course, greatly enlarged.
The plumbago used in the manufacture comes from Ceylon, and the blacklead from Austria. The manufacture itself, however, is all carried on in Soho, and not abroad. The firm holds the Royal Warrant for the sole manufacture of blacklead to H.M. the Queen and H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, and have obtained the highest awards and prize medals and special certificates at the following exhibitions: London, 1851 and 1862; Dunedin, 1890; Adelaide, 1887; Melbourne, 1888; Chicago, 1893. It is worth noting in connection with the last-named distinction that the First Order of Merit was obtained in a country where the sale of Nixey’s blacklead is debarred by the protective tariff.
The trade mark of the firm is a stag, and is to be found on many other useful and well-known inventions which they have brought out, such as knife polish, bag blue, emery cloth and stove polish. In fact it has been said that “Nixey’s can make us black, brown, or blue, expeditiously and cheaply.”
Mr. John Langsford, the general manager, is a member of the Society of Arts, and happens this year to be celebrating his silver jubilee. This is also Mr. Nixey’s golden jubilee.

“Woman’s World.
Social Gossip.
Mr. and Mrs. Nixey, who are making a tour round the world, and have been staying at the Imperial Hotel, left by the mail train for Sydney on Sunday.”–Brisbane Courier, Tuesday 19th April 1898

“The Union Company’s favorite steamer Mararoa left yesterday for Auckland, with the following passengers: ... Mr. and Mrs. Nixey, Mr. and Mrs R. S. McKinstry and three children...”–Evening News (Sydney), Friday 22nd April 1898

An exhibition which should attract the patronage of all who are able to manage to visit it, is this week being held at the Victoria hall, and will be continued over next week. The exhibition is promoted by the “Trades and Commerce Exhibition Syndicate,” and is under the management of Mr. C. F. Bilson and Mr. Goodchap, by whom the arrangements have been carefully made, with the results that the exhibition is a thoroughly interesting one, and promises to be a great success. ...

Nixey’s blacklead, Cervus bag blue, Cervus cycle chain lubricant, Cervus knife polish, and Cervus Nixelene polishing paste. Punch has said of this old firm, “That Nixey Cervus well.”

At the Northgate Assembly Rooms, Gloucester, on Tuesday, was opened a Trades Exhibition of an interesting character ... the object of the promoters being to demonstrate in the most practical manner the advantages of the use of up-to-date food preparations, domestic and sanitary appliances, and labour saving inventions. ... Mr. W. G. Nixey, of London, has an interesting display of his premier manufactures of world wide renown, first and foremost being Nixey’s refined black lead. His other specialities include “Cervus” bag blue, knife polish, and “Egg-shell” enamel, Berlin black for ornamental castings, stoves and ironwork.

Then where there is a gas stove or a fire-grate one article is essential – black lead. Nixey’s Black Lead finds a prominent place in the exhibition, and the same manufacturer’s refined lead, which is a distinct speciality, is shown along with “Nixelene,” a paste, made from graphite, which requires no polishing, and which, it is claimed by the vendors, is the only paste which will clean a greasy or rusty grate. But black lead will not adhere to a brown bar, and Nixey’s enamel is a preparation which will give a foundation on which a polish may be put afterwards. It is a high compliment to this firm that their black lead is solely supplied to the Queen’s household. “Blue,” to whiten linen, is a long way removed from black lead, but there is no incongruity in the two appearing in the same stall, and there is no need to emphasise their respective merits when they come from the house of Nixey. The “cervus” knife polish is another production which can claim a high place in the market.

Messrs. S. W. Partridge and Co.’s Periodicals. – The leading article in the British Workman is from the pen of an Australian, and discusses “The Men we want in the Colonies.” A full account is given, with illustrations, of the processes employed in the manufacture of Nixey’s Black Lead.

Nixey’s Refined Black Lead, In ½d., 1d., 2d., 4d. blocks and 1s. boxes. Fifty years world-wide reputation. As used in all the Royal Palaces. The deep, lasting, Best Polish in the World.
Nixey’s “Cervus” Bag Blue, Ready for use. Large ½d. and 1d. Flannelette bags. Thousands of Testimonials.
Nixey’s “Cervus” Knife Polish, In 6d. and 1s. tins. Does not wear the Cutlery.
Nixey’s “Nixelene” Stove Paste. If you prefer a Paste Polish, this is the Best. In 1d. and 2½d. tins. Black, brilliant. Scores of Testimonials.
Nixey’s “Silver Moonlight” Stove Polish, If you prefer a light, silvery polish. In ½d., 1d., 2d. blocks and 6d. Boxes. Much admired.
Nixey’s Egg-Shell Enamel Berlin Black. In 6d., 9d., 1s., 1s. 6d., and 2s. Bottles. A dead Black Varnish for all Ornamental Wrought-iron Castings and Stoves and Fenders. Dries hard in a few minutes. No smell. The Oldest and Best.
Nixey’s Fine Black Varnish, In 6d. and 1s. Bottles. A bright glossy Black for Stoves and all Ironwork. Dries hard in few minutes. No smell.
Nixey’s Cycle Lubricant, In 6d. tubes. Selling freely. Testimonials from Prize Winners and others from all parts.
Failing to obtain these Specialities of your tradesman, kindly write with postal Order to W. G. Nixey, 12 Soho Square, London, W.

When you enter the shop to buy Nixey’s Black Lead,
Don’t be tempted to purchase some other instead.

We have received a copy of “Pictorial London,” price 1d., published by W. G. Nixey, 12, Soho Square, London, W. This is the latest and cheapest illustrated guide published, giving thirty-one high-class views and descriptions of the leading places of historic interest in the metropolis.

Yesterday an exhibition of varied trades, which is to be continued until Friday week, was opened in the Burnley Mechanics’ Institution. Practically every inch of the large hall has been taken by the exhibitors, who include some of the leading firms in the country ... there are some really interesting exhibits which are not only conducive to the comfort of the home, but which are absolutely essential for its good government. As the visitor enters the hall he is confronted with a long line of stoves ... the burners and enamel linings can be removed and cleanliness thus ensured. Close by Mr. G. Nixey is showing his celebrated refined black lead, which long ago became famous as the richest, easiest, blackest, and most economical and lasting polish for grates and stoves.

Employees’ Outing. – On Saturday the employees of the firm of Mr G. Nixey, the well-known black lead manufacturers of London, had their annual outing in Barden Park, when the weather was delightfully fine, and the day was a most enjoyable one. The catering of Messrs. Taylor and Sons was greatly appreciated, and at the dinner, which was presided over by Mr John Langsford, the manager, several toasts were duly honoured, including “Success to the Firm.” Some indulged in athletic sports, while others went in for boating, excursions by road, &c., and everyone returned home well pleased with the outing.

From Rev. Charles Lester, M.A.
St John’s Vicarage, Bootle, Liverpool.
Mr. M. M. Lawson – Dear Sir, I beg to congratulate you upon the excellent compound “Lawson’s Black” which you have introduced. Applied in the form of paint, it is by far the best article I have had used for fire-grates and similar purposes. It is likely the supersede the tedious and old-fashioned process of black-leading, and only needs to be known to be appreciated. Your very handy Brush and Holder combined is a capital idea which renders the application of the compound easy and cleanly in the extreme. Householders will be much indebted to you.

The firm of William George Nixey, of 12, Soho-square, London, who held the Royal warrant of appointment to her late Majesty Queen Victoria, have the honour to announce that they have now received the Royal appointment of sole black lead manufacturers to his Majesty the King of the British Empire.

It was worth pausing a moment before Stands 50, Row H, and 139, Row Z, just by way of an object-lesson in what could be wrought by those who “knew how”, in the display of such useful household commodities as black lead, “Bobby” blue, and “Cervus” knife polish. Messrs. Nixey’s name was known to our home-loving, hard-working grandmothers and great-grandmothers, who would use no other lead than theirs in polishing to unrivalled brilliancy their stoves. We should like to have seen the dear old dames handling Nixey’s modern “Silver Moonlight” stove polish, and “Nixelene” stove paste; for with all Nixey’s easy quick polish Black Leads and stove polishes, there would have been no need to glove their hands nor to brush and rub and brush till their jolly old faces took the crimson glow of the fire’s own hue. They would simply have applied the article and “it” would have done the rest; their hands remaining clean and white. “We are always busy,” said the firm’s representative to the writer. Messrs. Nixey hold the appointment of sole makers of black lead to his Majesty the King, and with this light shed on the saying the meaning is clear. The well-known trade mark is a stag couchant, and the appropriate motto is “Cleanliness”. Their “Cervus” knife polish is guaranteed the easiest and best knife cleaning lubricant; its preparation is ground so fine that the cutlery is polished without friction, and that means without wearing the knife away to a mere edge. Their “Cervus” and “Bobby” blues need no word of commendation from us; they are in universal use, and have won golden opinions from all. Washerwomen and laundrywomen, who find these blues conveniently put up in linen or flannelette bags, never have to complain of spoiled rinsing water and smudged clothes, as is often the case with impure and common blues of “Nobody’s” make.

Early yesterday morning a fire broke out at 125, Shaftesbury-avenue, premises used by Messrs. W. G. Nixey, black-lead manufacturers. The basement, used as a paste milling room, and its contents were damaged by fire and water, and the rest of the building of five floors was slightly damaged by smoke.

“Mr. W. G. Nixey, added to his familiar specialities, Nixey’s Black Lead, Nixelene, etc., a new blue – “Bobby blue” – in halfpenny, and even farthing, packets.”–The Epicure, 1901

“Nixey’s Bobby Blue, in picture boxes containing six blocks and a flannel bag to hold the blocks ; and Nixey’s Egg-Shell Enamel Berlin Black, which gives a fine dead black to all ornamental iron and art castings, preserving them from rust.”–Womanhood, 1904

In the High Court of Justice
Chancery Division
Before Mr. Justice Farwell
October 31st, November 1st, 3rd, and 4th, 1902.
Ripley v. Griffiths
Action for passing-off “Oval Blue.” Claim in respect of words describing shape but not in respect of the shape itself. Actual Deception. Insufficient discharge of burden of proof. Catching or “trap” orders. Injunction refused.

The Plaintiff, Richard Ripley, had for many years carried on, at Liverpool, a business in which the principal article of manufacture was blue of a special quality for laundry purposes. By his Statement of Claim he alleged that he had sold such laundry blue made up in small cakes or blocks as “Oval Blue”; that in connection with such sales he had used two Trade Marks, viz., the words “Oval Blue,” registered in 1876, and the representation of an oval cake or block, registered in 1884, and had extensively advertised the article both as “Ripley’s Oval Blue” and as “Oval Blue”; and that his blue had come to be known as “Oval Blue,” with a high reputation for excellent and even quality under that name, and to be recognised in the wholesale and retail markets as denoting the blue of his manufacture. The Plaintiff’s blue had long commanded a large and ready sale throughout the United Kingdom, being sold by retail grocers and chandlers at one halfpenny per cake or block. The evidence showed that the customers for it were almost entirely women, servants, and children.
The Defendant, Martha Griffiths, widow, was a retail dealer at Liverpool, who had for many years dealt with the Plaintiff as a purchaser from him of his “Oval Blue.” In February 1902, some time after she had ceased to purchase the Plaintiff’s blue, she sold laundry blue in similar cakes or blocks, but not of the Plaintiff’s manufacture, in response, as the Plaintiff alleged, to orders for “Oval Blue.” On the 6th of March 1902, the Plaintiff accordingly commenced this action, claiming “a perpetual injunction to restrain the Defendant, her servants, employees, and agents, from selling, or supplying, or offering for sale, or passing off, any laundry blue not of the Plaintiff’s manufacture as or for ‘Oval Blue’ an account of profits or damages,” and other relief. The Defence denied the alleged passing-off, and alleged that the name “Oval Blue” is not distinctive of the Plaintiff’s goods, which are described and sold by the Plaintiff under the name of “Ripley’s Oval Blue.”
After hearing all the evidence, the judge declared: “Having regard to the fact that [Griffiths] had no interest in selling ‘Bobby Blue’ rather than Ripley’s Blue, that she was to my mind obviously honest and straightforward, that there is no sort of ground for the imputations which were made of personal fraud or intentional deception against her, and having regard to the way in which the Plaintiff’s witnesses gave their evidence in cross-examination, I accept Miss Griffiths’ testimony, and I reject the testimony of the Plaintiff’s witnesses. The result is that the action wholly fails and must be dismissed with costs.”

One of the most effective features of the Grocery Exhibition this year is Nixey’s Stand, showing in connection with Nixey’s Refined Black Lead, that reaches this year its Sixty Years’ world-wide reputation, their Stove Paste and Blues, &c. the firm are announcing by various advertisements their Grand Picture Presentation; for 50 wrappers from their specialities, they send post free to any address a most pleasing copy of One of Asti’s Splendid Paintings, “Helena,” produced in 23 colours, size 22 by 17. The picture before us is worthy of the house, and only wants to be seen to set every housewife collecting wrappers from Nixey’s Black Lead, &c., to secure a copy. Specimens can be seen at Nixey’s Stand. Nixey’s Waterproof Boot Polish for Box Calf and Glace Kid Boots, put up in convenient tubes, should prove a great success – they already have hundreds of testimonials.

The fame of Nixey’s Black Lead is world wide, and for quality unsurpassed, while their Nixey’s Stove Enamel Polishing Paste has for years been a “brilliant” success. For Nixey’s Boot Polishes and Creams no praise would be excessive; they are simply superb, with the additional merit of being waterproof. With regard to the pictures, we can only say that they are so absolutely artistic that they are adornments for any home, and it is not surprising to learn that these free gifts have been applied for from some of the leading families in the United Kingdom. Particulars in every packet, or on receipt of postcard to 12, Soho Square, London.

The staff of W. G. Nixey of blacklead fame had the unique experience on the occasion of their “wayzgoose” this year of travelling down to Rye House in the same train as H.R.H. the Prince of Wales. They were fortunate in a glorious day for their trip to St. Margaret’s, Ware, and the district. During the dinner which followed, Mr John Langsford, the manager, in proposing continued prosperity to the firm, stated that they had to record a very prosperous year in that which had just closed.

AN INTERESTING JUBILEE. – An interesting trade diamond jubilee is being celebrated this year. Sixty years ago a very small manufacturer occupied a little shop in Soho. As a means to draw attention to his goods, he conceived the idea of sending out a knight in full armour, mounted on a coal-black horse. The armour shone with a black lustre unusual enough to attract enormous attention, and advertisement in this form was speedily prohibited by the authorities. The knight became known as “Nixey’s Knight.” The little shop where refined blacklead was first sold in blocks has long since given way to a handsome factory in Shaftbury-avenue, and this year it is Messrs. Nixey’s Diamond Jubilee. Slough is very closely associated with this celebrated “Black” man.

Edward Onslow Secker, of Upton, Rosemount-road, Bournemouth, was summoned for driving a motor-car at a dangerous speed at Iford, “the same being his second offence.” Mr. A. Moresby White, barrister (instructed by Messrs. Mooring, Aldridge & Haydon, on behalf of the Motor Union), who said he had a complete answer to the charge on its merits, raised the technical objection that it was wholly illegal and wrong to mention in the charge that there had been a previous conviction. The Bench considered the objection a valid one, and dismissed the case.

W. Geo. Nixey, 12, Soho Square, London, exhibit their special graphite and graphite preparations for motor work. The high quality of the firm’s preparations are so well known as to need no reiteration.

Is there ever a house-mistress, or even a house-keeper, who is not aware of the very special value of Messrs. Nixey’s various products? Certainly the name of Nixey’s refined black lead has been a household word for more than one generation, and it is only fair to state that their other preparations are equally meritorious, and it behoves every housewife to know of them. A most valuable and economical polish for stoves is Nixey’s stove paste, giving, as it does, an enamel polish. Their “Silver Moonlight” stove polish for bright ironwork needs only to be tried to recommend itself, and the same may be said of the so easy “Cervus” knife polish, the delightful furniture polish, quick and effective, without fear of fingermarks, the exceptionally good eggshell enamel Berlin black, water-proof boot polishes and creams, and “Cervus” and “Bobby” blue, most conveniently prepared for use. In connection with the sale of these most commendable wares Messrs. Nixey offer two beautiful coloured reproductions of paintings by a well-known Italian artist, which may be obtained free of charge by forwarding a certain number of the wrappers or band labels of any of the Nixey manufactures. These alone would induce anyone to purchase Messrs. Nixey’s wares, yet, on the other hand, the preparations themselves are so good that the extra inducement must appear superfluous, while the advantage to the purchaser is very considerable. The present year is that of this great firm’s diamond jubilee, and its founders deserve warm congratulations on the success of efforts made so very obviously entirely in the public interest.

Mention must also be made ... of sixteen firms or individuals who made emery and glass paper, and dealt in blacklead. Among these should be reckoned Mr. W. G. Nixey, who a few years later invented the process and art of compressing the hitherto powdered lead into solid blocks, and proved himself to have a very full share of advertising genius for that early period, by booming his invention in a remarkable and indeed, to our forefathers, a startling way.

Best Results obtained by using Nixey’s “Bobby” Blue
It does not streak the clothes, is economical in use, and gives the best results . . . . . . In Bags Ready For Use. Or In Blocks.
Nixey’s Boot Polish
Black or brown, preserves the leather, is waterproof, and gives a quick brilliant shine without any trouble.
Remember! – Band labels or wrappers from above count for presentation pictures and over aprons.

Nixey’s Black Lead
You can get a serviceable over-apron worth one and sixpence, in dark navy blue print, with white spots, or a plain brown holland one, with a new high circular bib for nothing! They are 39 inches long, 36 inches wide, with smart bib-straps, pocket and skirt frill. Send 100 outside wrappers from Nixey's Penny Black Lead blocks.
50 Wrappers will secure you a Beautiful Picture.

“Stevens.–On the 8th inst., at 8, Essex Villas, Kensington, Charles Bridges Stevens, 63.”–Reading Mercury, Saturday 14th January 1911

The Royal Appointment is the Hall-mark of Quality.
William George Nixey has been honoured by the Royal Appointment of Sole Blacklead Manufacturer to His Majesty King George V., and was similarly honoured by His late Majesty King Edward VII., and Her late Majesty Queen Victoria.
By Royal Appointment
Sole Blacklead Manufacturers to His Majesty King George V.
Nixelene (Paste Stove Polish)
Cervus Blue
Bobby Blue
Knife Polish
Egg Shell Enamel
Fine Black Varnish
Cervus Boot Polish
Cervus Furniture Polish
All of the same high quality as the Celebrated Nixey’s Refined Blacklead.
SEE STAND 70 – Grocery Exhibition, Winter Gardens, Southport.

The objects for which the Company is established are:
(A) To buy, sell, manufacture, refine, prepare and deal in blue, blacklead, metal polish, boot polish, furniture polish, whitening, bath brick, starch, ultramarine, plumbago, emery, emery cloth, knife powder, plate powder, and all other kinds of powders, paints, pigments, varnishes, polishes, revivers, dyes, colours, perfumes, soaps, oils, and oleaginous and saponaceous substances, and all kinds of proprietary articles, unguents, and ingredients, and any other article, substance or composition which it may seem desirable in the Company’s interest so to deal with.
(B) To carry on business as industrial, manufacturing and general chemists and manufacturers of and dealers in all kinds of toilet requisites, boxes, cases wholly of card, wood, metal or otherwise, and as printers, colour printers, lithographers, publishers, stationers, book-binders, advertising agents, manufacturers of every description of advertising novelties, and as tinners, printers on tin, and brushmakers.
(C) To buy, sell, manufacture, refine, manipulate and deal in (both wholesale and retail) all kinds of plant, machinery, appliances, apparatus, utensils, commodities, articles and things useful and necessary for carrying on any of the businesses of the Company or usually dealt in by persons engaged therein, or which may be required by the Company’s customers ...

An Agreement made the Second day of March One thousand nine hundred and twelve BETWEEN WILLIAM GEORGE NIXEY of 66 Piccadilly in the County of London Gentleman EDWARD HOWARD SECKER of Northfields Datchet in the County of Buckingham Gentleman AUGUSTA STEVENS of 8 Essex Villas Kensington in the said County of London the widow of the late Charles Bridges Stevens and CLARA BERNELL HARRISON of Evesham House Cheltenham in the County of Gloucester the Wife of Major Bernard Harrison (hereinafter called “the Vendors”) of the one part and W. G. NIXEY LIMITED a Company having its registered office situate at Number 12 Soho Square in the County of London (hereinafter called “the Company”) of the other part WHEREAS the Vendors have for some time past carried on business as manufacturers of blue blacklead and sundry other articles of the like and similar nature under the style or firm of W. G. Nixey AND WHEREAS the Company has been formed under the Companies (Consolidation) Act 1908 with a nominal capital of Sixty thousand pounds divided into Twenty thousand preference shares of One pound each and Forty thousand Ordinary shares of One pound each with the object of acquiring the said business NOW IT IS HEREBY AGREED as follows:

1. The Vendors shall sell and the Company shall purchase:
(a) The goodwill of the said business with the exclusive right to use the said name of W. G. Nixey or William George Nixey ... and all trade marks trade names recipes secret processes and inventions connected therewith
(b) All the plant machinery office furniture patents patent rights licenses brevets d’invention stock in trade implements utensils and fire insurance policies to which the Vendors are entitled ...
(c) The benefit of all pending contracts and engagements ...
(d) All the unexpired portion of the lease of the premises Number 12 Soho Square in the said County of London ...

2. The consideration for the said sale shall be the sum of Twenty nine thousand three hundred and nine pounds sixteen shillings and fourpence which shall be paid and satisfied ... by the allotment and issue to the Vendors ... of Eleven thousand nine hundred and thirty four fully paid up Preference shares of One pound each ... Seventeen thousand three hundred and sixty three Ordinary Shares of One pound each ...