Historical information

Edgbaston is now an affluent suburb of Birmingham. The relation of the owner, James Griffin, to the donor (a resident of Kew) has not been identified. 'The Gentleman's Magazine' of 1845 contains a reference to the death of Mary, aged 12, at Brighton, the daughter of James Griffin of Edgbaston and of Withymoor Works, Dudley. (p.325). Coincidentally, James Griffin, a manufacturer of Withymoor Works was issued with a patent for his improvements in the manufacture of "spades, shovels, and such like tools" on 5 October 1843. Withymoor Works was owned by James Griffin & Son

Significance

Nineteenth Century leather document wallet that was brought to Australia by James Griffin's descendants.

Physical description

Brown leather wallet with inserted gussets to side and brass plate with lock to front and a fold over flap with brass fitting which clips shut and can be locked and leather double stitched casing to back for inserting a belt with key to lock inside. The owners name is engraved on the clasp.

Inscriptions & markings

"James Griffin / Edgbaston."