A rare set of six Fox and Hounds silver-cocktail sticks, William Suckling Ltd., Birmingham, 1937

Suckling Ltd. of 35 Albion Street, Birmingham, established by William Suckling (1844-1900), was first known in the early 1880s as manufacturers of electroplate. To this was added a range of bronze gongs (Trade Mark: 'BURMESE' below the head of a Burmese native, registered in 1896) and mounted china and oak ware. The name of the firm was changed to William Suckling & Sons with the introduction of Suckling's sons, William (b. 1881), Joseph (b. 1883) and Charles (b. 1885). William Sucking the elder died on 14 August 1900, leaving his widow, Maria Elizabeth (née Thompson, 1856-1934) to carry on the business with her young sons. Under her leadership the firm continued to operate successfully, becoming known as makers of silver cigarette boxes, cruet sets, enamelled brush sets, flatware, die-stamped goods, &c., supplying retailers at home and abroad until well into the 20th century.