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Billheads and Royal Warrants of Appointment

An interesting advertisement or notification on billheads for the UK is that the royal warrant of appointment. Royal Warrants have been issued for centuries to those who supply goods or services to a royal court or certain royal personages. The warrant enables the supplier to advertise the fact that they supply to the royal family, so lending prestige to the supplier. Competition for Royal favor was intense. So the monarch had the pick of the country’s most skilled and talented trades people. The first rewards for this loyal service were Royal Charters granted to the trade guilds, later known as livery companies. By the 15th century Royal tradesmen were recognized with a Royal Warrant of Appointment. In the late 18th century Royal tradesmen began displaying the Royal Arms on their premises and stationery.


One of the most common endorsements during that time was for “Her Majesty.” Which while not specific, I can only infer that the firm is referring to Queen Victoria of Great Britain. Queen Victoria’s reign lasted 63 years and 7 months, the longest of any other British monarch. Her reign was marked by the great expansion of the British Empire. She ascended to the throne at the age of 18 in 1837, being the only legitimate heir of the fourth son of George III, after the death of her uncle William IV. Queen Victoria ensured that Royal Warrants gained the prestige they enjoy today. During her 64 year reign the Queen and her family granted more than 2000 Royal Warrants, eight times as many as the Queens uncle, George IV.


Here are some examples:

The above billhead not only indicates that it the boot maker to Queen Victoria by Appointment, but it goes on to indicate it also is the boot maker to His Royal Highness Prince Albert, his late majesty William IV, his late majesty Louis Phillipe King of the French, His Grace the Duke of Beaufort, the Marquis of Worcester etc. Lots of important people. Oddly enough, I have had little success finding out more information about Wm Naish.


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