<code> John Round Sheffield fruit knife maker
Tudor Street, Sheffield
John Round (b.1808) began trading as a silversmith and cutler in 1847 from premises in Tudor Street, Sheffield.
The company expanded rapidly and by the early 1850s Round was employing almost 100 workers. John Round’s son, Edwin joined the firm which became known as John Round & Son.
The company continued to grow and prosper and opened offices in Canada, France and London and by the census of 1871 was apparently employing 350 workers. However, the expansion may have been too rapid as at that time the firm had huge debts and went into receivership.
After reorganisation the firm was converted to a limited company with new directors.
John Round died in 1877 but the firm prospered for another 40 years before slowly declining and finally ceasing to trade in 1932.
Registered Maker’s Marks
Sheffield silver marks “JR” registered 9 September 1867 and July 1874. London silver marks registered October 1888 and April 1901.
A finely carved and organically shaped fruit knife by John Round.