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BAKER & SONS: A (very) BRIEF HISTORY
 The
story begins at the start of the 20th century with a lady. Her
name was Annie Baker and she was the wife of Mr Henry Baker. Henry
had a market stall on Warrington's old market where he sold antique
jewellery, silver plate and assorted curios. Annie also had a
stall on the market where she sold second hand jewellery.
It
was in 1907 that our company had its real beginning because this
is the year that Annie Baker acquired the lease for a small shop
at 30 Sankey Street, Warrington. Her starting capital was a modest
£5 and with this investment she opened her first shop selling
second hand jewellery, silver plate and, as a nod to the Edwardian
fashion of the day, handbags! In this fashion the firm of A Baker
and Sons was established and embarked upon its long and successful
journey to the present day.
 Henry
and Annie had two sons, Norman and Ronald who, as was the custom
in those days, were both introduced to, and employed by, the family
business. In 1936 the remarkable Annie Baker passed away but her
successful business passed safely into the care of Norman and
Ronald.
It
was in 1957 that Tony Baker joined the family business, the very
same year that saw the shop moved to 10 Cairo Street where it
remains to this day. Under Tony's care the business prospered
and its reputation for fine gems selected and sourced by him around
the gem centres of the world secured the firm's status in the
town. When clients purchased an emerald or perhaps a sapphire,
they were buying a gem that Tony had personally selected and brought
from South America or Ceylon. It was this personal touch that
set A Baker and Sons apart from other jewellers in the town.
With
the help and support of his wife Helen, and a team of loyal staff
the business passed successfully into the new millennium. In 2001
Tony retired as Managing Director and leadership of the business
passed to its new owner Mr Laurence Levey.
Under
the guidance of Laurence and with the full support of his wife
Ann, the business has grown whilst retaining its enviable reputation
as one of the area's leading jewellery and watch specialists.
The
business now operates from four showrooms located in Warrington,
Stockton Heath and, since acquisition
in 2004, London Road, Liverpool. All
three showrooms carry quality 9ct, 18ct and platinum jewellery,
fabulous diamonds and coloured gems, quality watches and fine
gifts.
A
Baker and Sons specialises in the buying and selling of second
hand watches. Within the business the preferred term is "Pre-loved"
reflecting the team's passion for high quality, rare timepieces.
Laurence Levey and his Watch Doctor
have a genuine passion and a wealth of experience in sourcing,
valuing, refurbishing and re-selling new and pre-loved watches.
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