Identity:
James Lewis was an auctioneer. In 1877 he changed his name by deed poll from James Levy to Lewis.
Life:
Lewis was partner in the firm of auctioneers and estate agents James Lewis & Co. of 5 Southampton Buildings and 17 Clement's Inn, London. At JW's bankruptcy in 1879 they made a detailed inventory and evaluation of the contents of the White House, prepared a catalogue and sold the items (#11929).
Bibliography:
Times, London, 7 July 1877, p. 1.