Nubian Manufacturing Co Ltd

Products in 1883:
Nubian Waterproof Blacking
The original Self-shining Blacking gives an instantaneous bright polish without brushing. One application will last a week through rain, mud or show. Does not injure the leather and is free from acid. Is a household requisite, and has a hundred uses for renovating all leather goods; also recommended for metal, paper, or wood where a lasting black polish is wanted.
Sold everywhere at 1s. and 2s. per bottle. BEWARE OF IMITATIONS!
Nubian Oil Paste Blacking
Same as now supplied by us to Her Majesty’s Government.
In tin boxes – Will keep moist in any climate. Gives much better polish than all others with less brushing. Prepared in a special manner by our new and improved steam machinery.
Sold everywhere, 1d., 2d. & 3d. per tin. ONCE TRIED ALWAYS USED.
Nubian Japan Blacking
In stone bottles – gives a most brilliant and lasting polish and will retain its qualities in any climate, while at the same time it nourishes and preserves the leather.
Sold everywhere, 6d., 1s., and 1s. 6d. per bottle. USE NO OTHER
Ladies’ Pet Boot Polish
A vegetable Dressing especially for Ladies’ Use. easily applied with sponge attached to cork. Does not harden or crack the leather or peel off, and even in wet weather will not soil the most delicate clothing.
Sold everywhere, 6d. per bottle. BE SURE AND ASK FOR THE “PET.”

Nubian became a limited company on the 1st January 1886 with a capitalisation of £100,000 in £5 shares. In The Morning Post on February 10 1896 was the following notice: The Nubian Manufacturing Company, with a share capital of £100,000, “of which £80,000 has been taken by the vendor in purchase of the property” invite applications for an issue of £10,000 7 per cent Mortgage Debentures repayable on 1st January, 1891 or 1st January, 1896, at the option of the applicants. The business acquired from Mr. Theodore Young Kelley, that of the Nubian Manufacturing Company in the United Kingdom and all other countries except France, Spain, Italy, Belgium and Switzerland, was taken over as a going concern as from 1st January last. The proceeds of the debentures now offered for subscription will be principally applied for the development of the business in the United States and Canada, as well as for the opening up and stocking of the markets in India, China, Japan, and Australia. The amount raised will, it is stated, be sufficient to meet all the financial requirements of the company for many years to come, without issuing the remaining £20,000 share capital.
Directors are listed as:
T. Young Kelley, 38B Forhester Terrace, Hyde Park, London W.
L H Nerwich, 6 Hazlemere Road, Broudesbury, London N.W.
H B Parke, 42 Rue de Chabrol, Paris
Bankers: Union Bank of London Ltd, Holborn Circus branch
Solicitors: Parker, Garrett and Parker, St Michaels Alley, Cornhill
Secretary: Mr R Warner

An 1898 advert states their waterproof blacking has a 25-year reputation putting the founding of the company to 1873.

The 1886 prospectus states Theodore Young Kelley had been running the company for the last six years, so since 1880 or thereabouts. Trade names of the following were part of the acquisition of the limited company: Nubian Waterproof Blacking, Nubian Waterproof Harness Polish, Nubian Oil Paste Blacking, Nubian Waterproof Dubbing, Nubian Kid Cream, Nubian Metal Polishing Paste, Nubian Ink Pellets and Crystals, Nubian Plate Powder, Nubian Liquid Japan Blacking, Nubian Furniture Polish, Nubian Liquid Kid Reviver, Nubian Balmoral Gloss, Nubian Harness Composition, Nubian Kid Reviver Paste.

In 1891 the capital of Nubian Manufacturing Co Ltd was reduced to £40,000 divided into 80,000 share of £5 each instead of the original £100,000 divided into 20,000 £5 shares (the London Gazette, February 10 1891).

Early 1879 Nubian advert

1890 Nubian advert

http://www.nubian1880.it/english/homepage.html

From their website: It was in 1880 that Mr Theodore Young Kelley, owner of Nubian Manufacturing Co., based in London and Paris, decided to produce and distribute in Italy, under licence from the English head office, some of the company’s products for the cleaning and care of footwear shoes and leather goods. Mr. Kelley sited his office in Milan, which is a central trading point in Italy and near to the shoe manufacturing towns of Vigevano, Parabiago and Cerro Magiore, which were the centre of leather product manufacturing and handcrafted leather production.

During the rebuilding activities in the aftermath of the 2nd world war, Mr. Kelley’s heirs passed the Milan office on to Mr. Giuseppe Invernizzi, and since then the control of the company has remained in Invernizzi Family hands. The family have ensured that the original formula and spirit of the company has been preserved.