Thanks for this information, Jack. Interesting that the patent dates to 1964 when the Oates company seems to have expired around 1959 (according to Tweedale)
But I guess that is not so uncommon as we have seen other knives in production before patents were applied to them.
I see Geoff says that the Albert Oates name was last listed in directories in 1959, but as you know, many of the older Sheffield names were subsequently passed on, and when they are not actually being used, it can be very difficult to find out who actually owns them. As with many aspects of Sheffield cutlery history, we have to rely on word of mouth, and unfortunately there are fewer and fewer people to ask. Many of the Sheffield firms survived for years as much diminished companies, with little or few assets, and names that may not have been worth selling. The retirement or passing away of a single cutler or individual often saw them quietly fade into history. It could be that the Oates mark was acquired by Mr Sheldon, or by Jack Howarth, who as well as making knives under his family name, was first a director, and then owner of Wright's. It's unfortunate that Geoff passed over the Howarth's, probably for reasons of time I imagine, but he subsequently published a history, which I have as a PDF. There's no mention of Jack Howarth though, or that the company still survives, in name at least, having been bought by John Maleham when he acquired Wright's. I have some papers relating to Wright's, and they possibly had other Sheffield firms under their wing, so to speak, at one time. I still need to thoroughly go through them. Unfortunately, perhaps because they only date to 1947, the history of Wright's has not really been written up. How much they survive themselves remains to be seen.
This knife is super special, it keeps calling me back.
I think it's going to be a pocket hog for a while. Hope you all don't get bored of seeing it...
Great-looking ebony John, I'm sure nobody will get tired of seeing it
Oink, Oink!! Mine's a pocket hog too!!
Love the feel and usefulness of that Ebony knife!!
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Great to see your ebony beauty Charlie
Happy Saturday, Guardians.
Nice pics of the Christmas market "attractions", Jack.
Some wonderful Ebony in here lately!
Thanks my friend, I'm afraid I'm not seeing your photo
Oink, Oink!! Mine's a pocket hog too!!
Love the feel and usefulness of that Ebony knife!!
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We're on an Ebony roll!
Looking lush and lovely Mark, and it's nice to see your spectacular stick again
Morning Guardians, hope everyone is enjoying a splendid weekend, and that you have a very enjoyable Sunday. I have a day of pre-Christmas housework, and tidying-up ahead of me, probably with a bit of knife cleaning and oiling thrown in
I'm enjoying the Necco wafers
H
herder
sent me, the old-fashioned flavours bring back memories of my childhood. Incredible to think they were being made in 1847