A very attractive silver plated tea caddy attributed to A E Jones for Simplex Conduits Ltd, circa 1910.

The planished caddy has a nice shape and is very tactile. It is decorated with applied decorated silver bands and rosettes typical of designs by A E Jones at this time. I believe this was made by  A E Jones for Simple Conduits Ltd around 1910. Jesson, Birkett & Co closed down in 1910 and Thomas Birkett went to work for Simplex Conduits who produced some art fittings along with other more industrial products. It is documented that Jones made a number of designs for Simplex Conduits and I believe, although I have yet to prove, that the “SC” stamped on the base of this piece is for Simplex Conduits Ltd. 

When I found this piece the silver plating on copper was in very bad shape but I liked it so much I had it re-plated. It is now ready to look great for the next 100 years!