Diskussionsnachricht 000002
30.06.2011, 19:32 Uhr
Fynn1177
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Und hier noch etwas zur Geschichte
B4*ANY, the proud boast of John Watts Ltd.[/U]
Around 1765, two men Watts and Bates formed a company, based in and around a small courtyard on Lambert st, Sheffield. The newly formed company specialised in the manufacture of clog clasps, toe plates and spikey dog coller studs for fighting dogs
By the mid 19C a complete range of cutlery had been added the the John Watts catalogue which also included silver holloware.
By the early 20C the firm was one of the foremost manufactures of flat razors and they were the leading company in the development of a wide range of safety razors.
During WW1 the firm manufactured knives, swords etc, but they were also rumored to have made novel items such as officers spring loaded kit bag stretches
During WW11 John Watts manufactured Bren gun parts among other things. They produced thousands of military clasp knives and also the famous "resistance" knife complete with its tyre slasher blade.
After the war diversification was the name of the game, and to this end the firm made wardrobes, bed side cabinets, metal fittings, hangers, invalid and library tables, tennis raquet presses, shaving outfits plus ranges of knives.
A few interesting things
John Watts had many trade marks inc B4*ANY, Mikado, Presto, Avieno, Spiro, Manhattan Cutlery Co, Thomas Wilton, and Johnathan Newton & Co' (Frog).
In its heyday (1890s) the firm employed over 700 employees.
The Watts Lambert st factory was one of the first, if not the first to have gas lighting. And again the first to have electricity.
At times employees were told to report for work unshaven, so the boffins could test new products.
At one time the firm made over 190 different scissor patterns.
In the later days 1980s- the firm was one of the worlds largest manufactures of floor plaining cutters.
and (S-K) the firm was one of Europe's last makers of traditional forged corkscrews.
John Watts Ltd, a company with a great and interesting past.
Gruß Nils |
