<code> Walker & Hall Sheffield fruit knife maker
11 Howard Street, Sheffield
George Walker established a knife making business in the early years of Queen Victoria’s reign and in 1848 Henry Hall joined the firm which became known as Walker & Hall in 1852.
John Edward Bingham joined the firm in 1856 and thecompany’s first silver mark (W&H) was registered in 1862. A second silver mark was registered with the Sheffield Assay Office in 1868 (HH & JEB) — Henry Hall and John Edward Bingham).
The company flourished and employed more than 500 workers by the 1880s. By the early years of the 20th century the company had offi es and outlets in London, Glasgow, Leeds, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Manchester, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Cape Town.
The company survived until it was sold to a conglomerate in 1963.
Registered Maker’s Marks
Sheffield silver marks registered 8 May 1862, 22 October 1868, 7 September 1873, 4 May 1876, November 1877, 7 July 1892, January 1894, 1 August 1894 and 18 March 1896. Chester silver marks registered October 1891, November 1908 and May 1916. London silver marks registered November 1893, November 1903 and November 1913.
A finely carved scale on a Walker & Hall fruit knife. The blade has the “JEB” maker’s mark registered by John Edward Bingham, the firm’s principal. It is also stamped with the Walker & Hall pennant.