Frederick Smith Round Brass

Frederick Smith brass tray dating from the 1890s.

Frederick Smith

Frederick Smith was only 21 years old when he started brewing.
In 1880 he acquired the Victoria Brewery on Lichfield Road in Aston.
Frederick expanded the business and, in 1888, he purchased adjoining land and built new larger operations named the Aston Model Brewery.
Frederick quickly built a reputation for the quality of his ales.
In 1892 he also built a sizeable malthouse and was supplying an increasing pub estate.

Frederick Smith Ltd Registration

The Company, and its Aston Model Brewery, was registered in 1895 as Frederick Smith Ltd.
Continued expansion of the Company included the purchase of more public houses, an extension to the brewery, and a new bottling plant, which was added in 1898.
Again, the brewery was significantly improved in 1922, when new brewing equipment was installed and a fresh artisan well was sunk.
In 1927 King George V knighted Frederick Smith for his services to the communities of Aston and Birmingham.
The Aston Model Brewery, with 167 public houses, was acquired by William Butler & Co. Ltd in 1955, and was closed in 1957.

The manufacturer's mark states - Art Metal Advertising Co. Birmingham.
I believe the tray featured pre-dates Frederick Smith's Company registration.