The item is a 12 piece assembled cutlery set consisting of 6 knives with soft brown Bakelite handles and stainless steel blades manufactured by Atkinson Bros., Sheffield as well as 6 identical plated forks from different cutlers.
The founders – Edward Atkinson (1846-1904) and John Furniss Atkinson (1851-1914) – were the sons of William Atkinson (a draper) and his wife Caroline Frances Bacon. Their mother was the daughter of Henry Andrew Bacon, who had launched The Sheffield Independent newspaper. William Atkinson, Broomgrove, died on 29 November 1874, aged 76, leaving under £2,000. Caroline died only hours later 1 December 1874, aged 56.
Edward and John trained as cutlery clerks: the former at E. Parker & Sons. In 1872, Atkinson Bros began business, apparently as a joiners’ tools maker in Thomas Street and Broomhall Street. By 1876, it was operating from Milton Works, Milton Street, as a merchant and manufacturer of pen and pocket knives, shoe and butchers’ knives, besides razors, scissors, and edge tools. By 1880, it was one of the few Sheffield cutlery firms to urge the use of machinery and also favoured celluloid handles. The brothers employed 80-100 workers and claimed to have the largest output of table knives in the town and to be a major supplier to the British Army. In 1884, Atkinson’s bought Ebenezer Parker’s name and mark. Other Atkinson Bros’ corporate marks were the punning ‘BEAR IN MIND’; ‘3340’ (first granted in 1815 and used after about 1882); a swimming man; and ‘A. BRIGHT’ and ‘BRILHO’ – the marks of Augustus and Selim Bright.
The knives are blade-stamped Atkinson Bros. Sheffield Stainless Steel and the forks are all handle stamped with their different cutler’s marks.
The assembled set is in very good vintage condition.
Knives length: 21 cm, Width of blade: 1.8 cm, Width of handle top: 1.5 cm
Forks length: 19.5 cm, Width of prongs: 2 cm, Width of handle top: 2 cm
