Expert: Kenton Scott - 3/7/2008

Question
hello ive had this instrument in the family for some time yet still very little is known about it here is a description and details on the instrument.
Hawk & Son
Denman St,
Picadilly Circus
London.
Low Pitch, Tennor saxaphone. 118883. LPT.
The instrument is finished in high carrat gold and silver,
ive been told it may be from 1914 or earlier, if you have any information about this instrument or hawk & son, it would be much appreciated, thanks for your time. Luke Jarvis

Answer
William Henry Hawkes, state trumpeter for Queen Victoria,  started an import business in 1860 at Cumberlnad St. Pimlico.  

In 1862,he moved to Soho Sqare. In 1869, he added a repair shop.  In 1875, he moved to Leicester Square.

In 1876, he formed a partnership with Jules Riviere as Riviere and Hawkes and began to make brass instruments.  

He formed WH Hawkes and Son in 1889.  In 1895, he moved to Denman St. Piccadilly Circus. In 1924, he opened a new factory at Edgeware, and in 1930 merged with Boosey and Co.