William Beilby Avery

His grandfather was the elder brother in W. & T. Avery, weighing machine makers of Birmingham[3] and until he retired Sir William managed a great expansion of that business.

Thomas withdrew his capital from the business in 1866 and devoted his energies to improving poor local government.

Father and son proved good managers and the business prospered sending its products throughout the world.

He also owned a unique large unused block of the Swiss Double Geneva and had fine holdings of Moldavia and Nevis.

[3] Avery's most important pieces were unused one penny and two pence Post Office Mauritius stamps which he acquired in 1893.