Chuck Taylor wrote:

>
> I've noticed that some of my Charles Taylor chisels just say  
> "Charles Taylor's", while others say "Charles Taylor's / Sheffield  
> Tools LTD". Is it possible that "Sheffield Tools LTD" was a  
> successor firm, or a separate firm that bought out Charles Taylor?
>

Either of these may, indeed, be possible. I haven't found a direct
mention of "Sheffield Tools LTD," but evidence exists concerning
other firms with similar sounding names. For example, I have data
concerning a Sheffield Saw & Tool Co, known working dates of 1901
to 1911, in Shoreham Saw Works, Whitecroft. Also, Sheffield
Steelmakers LTD., with a known working date of 1905, at Fitzalan
Chambers, High Street. In addition to making steel, they are known
to have made saws and edge tools.

Less potentially germane, there was also a firm, of the name
Sheffield Steel & Manufacturing Co. LTD., which operated from about
1879 to 1881, at Lancaster Street, Neepsend. Specific information
concerning "Sheffield Tools LTD" may turn up in post-1911 Sheffield
directories.

Meanwhile, I have a little bit of possible additional information
concerning Charles Taylor, himself. There is a Charles Taylor
listed as a plane iron manufacturer (considered part of edge tool
making in Sheffield), at 13 Norfolk Lane, in 1893. Also, a Charles
Taylor is listed (in the street and alphabetical listings) as an
edge tool maker, residing (and possibly working) at 158 Fulton
Road, in 1901. If these are the same Charles Taylor, then we may
be able to extend his working dates at least as early as 1893.

Hope this has been of some interest.

Don McConnell
Eureka Springs, AR
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