Biltor: Difference between revisions

In 1893, The Biltor Co seems to have moved from its premises in Holborn to 93 Oxford Street, while its adverts claimed the Biltor pipe had been awarded a 'Silver Medal' for its 'hygienic properties'<ref name="SilverAd" />. No later than 1896, Biltor had opened another branch at 88 Queen Street, Cheapside <ref name="Baedecker" />. However, Biltor was not registered as a limited company until 1897, after which Wüterich assigned his patent to the company for a consideration of £5,000 and 15,000 £1 shares <ref name="TMandP" />. The company also issued debentures for secure loans made by Marian Charlotte Vibart and Anna Wüterich. It is not known whether Anna Wüterich was Emil's wife or daughter. Marian Charlotts Vibart, however, was a member of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermetic_Order_of_the_Golden_Dawn Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn] from 1898 <ref name="Vibart" />. This was an occult secret society whose members were to include luminaries such as Bram Stoker, Arthur-Conan Doyle and Aleister Crowley. Another member of the group, John Valentine Lacy, was initiated into the Order on the same day as Vibart. In the 1901 census, Lacy is described as "Secretary to Biltor Ltd" <ref name="Lacy" />.  

Wüterich worked hard to promote his patented pipes. In 1893, Biltor won a medal at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World%27s_Columbian_Exposition World's Columbian Exposition] in Chicago. In 1900 Biltor was present at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exposition_Universelle_(1900) Exposition Universelle] in Paris <ref name="Paris" />. Nor was Wüterich averse to promoting his pipes at smaller events. In April 1893, Biltor could be found at Stand 3 at The Chemists', Druggists' and Allied Trades Exhibition <ref name="Chem" /> at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_Design_Centre Royal Agricultural Hall]. Advertisements in the English, US and Australian press, as well as in popular books, were common.