William Britton was born 1804 and in 1850 was 'Optician, Brazier & Turner at 140 High Street, Barnstaple' (White's Directory). In the 1878/9edition is listed 'William Britton and Son, Photographer and Optician, 23 High Street' A geometric chuck of mid-19th century pattern is also known with his signature. It seems that his lathe-making was a shortlived exercise, although both this item and the chuck are competently made.