Nathaniel Mills & Sons

Nathaniel Mills & Sons was one of the most renowned silver box makers of the 19th century, known for its finely crafted objects of vertu. The firm’s founder, Nathaniel Mills I, registered his maker’s mark at the Birmingham Assay Office in 1803 while working as a partner in "Mills and Langston, Jewellers Northwood." By 1825, he had registered his own "N.M" mark within a rectangle and began producing high-quality silverware. His work became particularly recognised for its exceptional snuff boxes, vinaigrettes, card cases, and other decorative pieces.

Following his death in 1840, his son, Nathaniel Mills II (1811–1873), inherited the business. Having completed his apprenticeship in his father’s workshop, he introduced innovative manufacturing techniques such as stamping, casting, and engine-turning. Even before officially taking over, he had significantly expanded the firm's operations and premises. Under his leadership, Nathaniel Mills & Sons became Birmingham’s leading maker of silver boxes, particularly celebrated for their "castle-top" pieces—intricately chased lids depicting famous British landmarks such as Windsor Castle, Westminster Abbey, and Warwick Castle. These were highly popular among Victorian collectors and remain prized today.

The firm continued producing exceptional silverware throughout the mid-19th century, maintaining a reputation for superb craftsmanship. Many pieces by Nathaniel Mills & Sons, featuring exquisitely embossed borders and detailed repoussé work, are now housed in prestigious collections, including the Royal Collection Trust, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Birmingham Assay Office Museum. Their silver and gold boxes remain highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike.