Vaughtons

General information

Our History

Vaughtons was founded in 1819 by Philip Vaughton. The company was originally named ‘P. Vaughton’ , working out of Little Hampton Street in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. In 1897 the firm had been renamed to ‘Vaughton Brothers’ and had relocated to 135 Constitution Hill; the company was listed as a ‘Buttonmaker, Medalist and Mint’.

Vaughtons building
Vaughtons Gothic Works. Picture taken from the 1906 catalogue.

Between 1866 and 1902, Vaughtons were documented in various locations, then in 1903 Vaughtons relocated to an impressive purpose built factory, ‘Vaughtons Gothic Works’ on Livery Street in the Jewellery Quarter, which is still located there today. This building was noted in a Birmingham Civic Society newsletter, ‘To this day it is an impressive building… It has excellent terracotta details, especially the lettering’.

1902 Vaughtons Catatlogue.
1902 Vaughtons Catatlogue.

It was shortly after the move that the company name was changed to ‘Vaughtons Ltd’ detailed on brochures at this time. Vaughtons was listed as ‘the business of a Silversmith, Goldsmith and General Manufacturer’. Vaughtons success grew whilst in these premises, manufacturing some of the companies most prestigious work, such as the FA Cup and the 1908 Olympic medals. We believe that predominantly, a lot of these jobs were due to Howard Vaughton being involved in the business.

Howard Vaughton
Howard Vaughton

Howard Vaughton, born 1st Septmeber 1861, was the grandson of the company’s founder, Philip Vaughton. Howard was a very famous footballer of his time, playing for Aston Villa, and for England. Howard was a part of the Aston Villa FA Cup winning team, and also still shares the record for the most goals scored by any one player in any England International game. Howard was an impressive sportsman who also won the British Skating Championship, played county level cricket, county level hockey, raced in cycling and was a first class swimmer.

FA Cup manufactured by Vaughtons
FA Cup manufactured by Vaughtons

Sadly in 1888 an injury forced him to leave football, which lead Howard back into silversmithing and running the family business. It’s no surprise that with Howard’s connections, Vaughtons manufactured many sporting medals and trophies, the pinnacle of which being the FA Cup. The original FA Cup was stolen from William Shillcock Outfitters Shop in 1895, where it was on display having been won by Aston Villa. The football club were ‘fined’ £25 by the FA for the replacement, which was proudly manufactured by Vaughtons Ltd, and used until 1901.

1908 Olympic Medal
1908 Olympic Medal

In 1908 Vaughtons Ltd were commissioned to manufacture all of the London Olympic medals; these included medals for the judges and participators, as well as the Gold, Silver and Bronze winners medals. One of the companies most prestigious jobs, the dies are still held at the current premises in Well Street.

Rolls Royce Lapel Badge
Rolls Royce Lapel Badge

Whilst at the Gothic Works, Vaughtons also diversified into Vehicle Badges, manufacturing and supplying items for cars, bicycles, motorcycles, heavy vehicles and bus badges. Alongside these badges, Vaughtons manufactured the promotional items to accompany them, such as cufflinks and tie bars, as they still do today. Vaughtons most notable contracts in this field were Rolls Royce, Lanchester, and in more recent years at the current premises, Jenson Anniversary, Jaguar E-type Anniversary, Bentley Motors and Aston Martin.

Vaughtons current location,16 Well Street.
Vaughtons current location. 16 Well Street.

Sometime in the late 1900’s the company was sold, and according to a Birmingham Civic Society Article, remained the Gothic Works until 1997, when fellow trophy manufacturer and previous owner acquired the firm. Vaughtons Ltd was then relocated to the WH Darby Ltd premises at 16 Well Street, within the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham, where it still operates today.

In 2005, Steve and Linda Hobbis bought WH Darby Ltd and therefore Vaughtons Ltd. Again, the company is in family ownership, and set to remain in the family with Nick Hobbis, the current Sales Director. The company continues to grow, remaining faithful to the high quality standards, and prestigious customer base introduced by the company’s predecessors, supplying to The Football League, Aston Martin, Bentley as well as many Councils and Royal Families worldwide.