Knife, George Hancock and Sons

images courtesy of  J. Campbell

George Hancock was one of many knife makers in the Sheffield area, which has been a leading iron and steel producer since at least the 14th Century. With iron and coal deposits, along with good water power, the area became one of the largest producers of knives and other cutlery. By the 1600s the industry became regulated by The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire (which is still going strong) and the history is well documented. Here is a guide to trademarks.

And more on G. Hancock from Is your name on a knife?

The original George Hancock was a spring knife and Bowie knife manufacturer operating from Love Lane and Holly Street. After his death in 1897, the assets of the company were acquired by Robinson & Oates so the name continued to appear in directories up to 1934 as a manufacturer of table knives at Challenge Works, 47 Eyre Lane.

Also a manufacturer of table cutlery and butchers’ knives, the Robinson & Oates partnership appeared in 1898 (when it registered a silver mark).  It was based at 47 Eyre Lane and the partners were Ernest Bamford Robinson (1867-1938) and Thomas Oates (1869-1937).  Robinson was a Sheffielder; Oates had been born in Doncaster.  By 1911, the address was Challenge Works, 47 Eyre Lane.  The marks included ‘909’ (granted in 1791) and the names of George Hancock & Sons, Ramsden & Co, and Harrison Bros.  In 1932, Thomas Oates withdrew from the partnership.  He died on 29 August 1937, leaving £6,025.  Ernest B. Robinson, of Briarfield, Curbar, Derbyshire, died in the following year on 19 November.  His estate was £3,003.