British Metal, (Kingston) Ltd
'Kinco'
is a trade name that can be found under many items of good quality, useful, decorative
brassware. Typically there is a decorative pattern that has been
relief-etched and filled with colours. The patterns may have a Japanese,
Chinese or Indian type of theme tailored to suit the British taste, like so much
else possibly
inspired by the work of Christopher Dresser after his return from Japan.
The products
are not highly valued at present and may be found at many fairs and dealers.
At a distance it is possible to recognise the maker's products but close
examination shows the multitude of designs that were used.
Some of the
items are marked 'Made in
England'. The Trade Mark 'Kinco' was registered to
British Metal, (Kingston) Ltd,
47, Eden Street, Kincoland, Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey which was there from
c1923 to c1930.
In 1930, British
Metal Engraving Co. was set up nearby at St Margaret's Works in Twickenham, Middx
and lasted there until c1963.
They had continued production of Kinco wares until the outbreak of war in 1939
when they switched to making labels, nameplates and other printed or engraved
items for aircraft, etc. The firm moved to new premises in Witney,
Oxfordshire and was bought out in 1984. (Thanks to Bob Polfeman)
Kinco also made miniature metal looms.
Further information would be very welcome.
(The 'Kinco'
Trade Mark was also
registered by Harris Lifting Co., Cradley Heath, West Midlands in 1954 and is in
use for clothing.)
For most
designs with an Asiatic theme the mark is:
Where the design theme is European, the mark is:
This paper label is under a
trump indicating holder for a pack of cards.
