Charles Lyster

The business was founded by Charles Lyster (born circa 1814). In the 1849 History and General Directory of the Borough of Birmingham, he was initially recorded as a manufacturer of luxury items. His early workshops at 9 Great Hampton Street crafted tortoiseshell tea caddies, workboxes, inkstands, and pearl and ivory ladies' companions, card cases, and cigar cases. Transition to Silver & Jewellery as the business grew, Charles transitioned into precious metals and jewellery production. The company eventually became known as Charles Lyster & Son when his only surviving son, Samuel Lyster, joined and took over the business. Operating primarily from Spencer Street in Birmingham's famous Jewellery Quarter, they were granted silver hallmarks by both the Birmingham and Chester Assay Offices.