Historical information

WT George & Co of Sherlock Street Birmingham were makers of ships lanterns under the trade name “Meteorite”. In 1941 Thomas George writer assumes a relative of WT George was granted a patent number GB546575 relating to improvements to his lamps. After this date a plate was affixed with this number.
What's confusing with the companies records is that they show that in Birmingham three companies are listed making lamps together and the writer is assuming under a partnership agreement.
First in 1983 W T George & Co with William Harvie & Co went into liquidation with G Bocock & Co, together, then in 1992 George Bocock and Harvie Ltd were in liquidation.
Although these companies seem to have different addresses in Birmingham they were linked together given they were all liquidated at the same time for two of them. They all appear to have been partners in some way making marine lamps under the William Harvie banner.
William Harvie & Co. Ltd advertised as being electric light and power engineers, and patent ship lamp manufacturers, as early as 1901-1902, as listed in the Post Office annual Glasgow Directory 1901-1902.

Significance

An item made by a company that was an innovator of significant improvements in the manufacture of marine signal and navigation lamps during the late 19th and 20th centuries. Lamps made by this manufacturer are now sought after collector's items that are of significant value.

Physical description

Lamp, round ship's copper lamp with clear glass, handle at top, fitted with hinged and catch section at top to service lamp. Bracket at back for hanging lamp.

Inscriptions & markings

Stamped "Meteorite 110560"
Bottom stamped "Patent no GB546575 and others pending".