Sir Herbert James Francis Parsons

In our upcoming Antiques, Silver & Collectables sale on Monday 8^th May, we have a Baronet’s Badge, as part of a group of items in lot 624. The badge is accompanied by a Knight Bachelor’s Badge, and a George V Territorial Decoration.

The Baronet’s badge included in Lot 624 is engraved for a Sir Herbert James Francis Parsons (1870 – 1940). Sir Herbert was bestowed a baronet of Winton Lodge for patriotic and public services, as listed in the London Gazette on the 30^th August 1918. He was also the Honorary Colonel of the Third Battalion, The London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers) from 1911-23, and was knighted in 1912.

The son of George Henry Parsons and Ruth Bridges, Herbert had intended to study medicine. However, on his father’s death in 1892, he joined the family business – Ashton & Parsons. The company manufactured ‘Phosferine Tonic’ and later became Phosferine (Ashton & Parsons) Limited. The company became known for innovation during the First World War. An Ashton & Parsons employee at the time (Henry Victory Hayward), figured out a method to dry medicines into tablets so they were able to make it to the front more easily.

Too old for active service during WWI, Sir Henry served with the British Red Cross in France. In July 1912, he became a Municipal Reform Party alderman on London’s County Council. Upon his death in 1940 the baronetcy became extinct, due to the death of his sole heir the previous year.

If you would like more details of any of the lots in our Antiques, Silver & Collectables auction on Monday 8^th May and Tuesday 9^th May please view our online catalogues or contact us directly and we will be happy to help.

The auction is available to view in Birmingham at the following times:

4th May 2017 10am – 4pm
5th May 2017 10am – 4pm
6th May 2017 11am – 4pm
8th May 2017 8.30am – 10am