J. H. Steward
of 406 Strand, London, WC2, and 457 West Strand, WC
1852 James Henry Steward (1817–1896) established his business.
1900 Brought out a pocket calculator from Professor R. H. Smith's design.[1]
1907 Introduced a solar chronometer, based on Ferguson's design, for correction of clocks in the absence of a time signal.
1912 Presented a Ferguson solar chronometer to the Science Museum.
1913 Limited company. The company produced a large range of items for military use and advertised in their catalogues that they produced instruments for "Reconnoitring, Sketching, Night Marching, Signally, Gun Laying". They were opticians to "The British & Foreign Governments, the National Rifle Associations of England, India, Canada & the Colonies and the National Artillery Association"
1937 Scientific and optical instrument manufacturers.[2]
1970 Ceased trading under this name but continued under new name
1971-73 Moved to Catherine Street, London W.C.2. George Goble (c.1916-1975) was the only member of staff – he was running the shop but mainly providing a service to long-standing customers and to reduce the stock levels.
1973-75 Moved the remaining instrument part of the business to 154, Church Road, Hove, Sussex
1975 despite the efforts of the founder’s great-grandson and his wife, the business closed its doors for the last time.
See Also
Sources of Information
- Science Museum collection [1]