Catalogue description Records of N. Ball and Son, Leicester (jewellers, clock and watch makers and repairers)

The collection of records reflects the family nature of the business, with the earlier ledgers often containing ephemera and enclosures relating to the personal affairs and interests of Nathan Ball, who was a strong churchman. Therefore, whilst the business and personal records have been separated where possible, there is an overlap.

Nathan Ball and Co, Leicester, 1872-c1899

N Ball and Son, Leicester, c 1899 - 1987

Deposited on indefinite loan on 27th October, 1987.

• Industry

Nathan Ball and Company was founded in August 1872 in Wharf Street, Leicester by Nathan Ball (1851-1927) a native of Kenilworth, Warks. The company was re-named N. Ball & Son at the close of the Nineteenth Century when Nathan was joined by his son William David Nathan Ball (1880-1961). The business passed down to William's daughter Ethel Emily Elizabeth (1907-1979) and her husband Clifford William Berridge (1910-1981), and from them to their daughters, June Barbara and Molly Eileen with their respective husbands, John Stuart Smith and William David Buckley.

The company was closely associated with the provision and maintenance of Leicester's municipal clocks for many years and also served as clockmakers and contractors to Leicestershire County Council, British Railways, the Ministry of Works, and other public institutions and churches.

In 1952 the premises were transferred to Charles Street where the company remained in the possession of the family until it closed at the end of 1987.

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