Thread: Wilson Hawksworth And Moss

New member, first post. Anyways, here goes:


I was rummaging around in my closet today and saw a cigar box that I had forgot about. Inside were 2 razors, and a couple silver coins. Both razors were given to me by my father.

One of them, I am told, belonged to my Great Great Grandfather. The blade reads WILSON HAWKSWORTH AND MOSS. One side of the blade seems somewhat ornate, with what appear to be masonic symbols. I know my Great Grandfather was a Mason, and I have his ring. I'm thinking it wouldn't be too hard to imagine that his father was also a Mason. Does anyone have any information on this company? The blade is heavily used, but still somewhat sharp, and the scales are cracked at the base. It looks like my GGGrandfather just used some fine thread to hold it together.


Second razor is one that my dad bought at an auction. The razor itself doesn't appear to have any markings. The box says MANN & CO, Columbus Ohio, Made in Germany. Also says FINE RAZORS on the box, hehe. He bought this at an auction when he lived in Ohio, but google hasn't given me any information. The razor looks almost new, and I've almost gotten it to where it's shave ready. Little more stropping I suppose.


Also found a strop in a storage bin that I've been using to sharpen the aforementioned Mann & Co razor. Says Ingersoll New Era, Reg US trademark, Razor Strop, this side for stropping, other side for honing, honing side must be used sparingly. Seems to work alright.



Anyways, I'm mainly wanting information on the first razor. Google hasn't given me much, other than a PDF file I can't open. I'll try to get some pictures tomorrow after work. Thanks.

Welcome to SRP Jasper. I am not familiar with the brand but that doesn't mean much, other members may be able to assist. There are many different razor manufacturers and re-sellers that have their names on razors and of that number we probably only have history on a small percentage of them. I have a lot of very good shaving razors that I probably will not know the history of. If you are interested in learning to shave with these razors be sure to get them professionally honed. Good luck.

Hello Jasper!

The first razor has a fair bit of history behind it, the makers having a convoluted story to say the least! Involved in the story are:

Hunter & Twigg
Hunter & Son
Hunter & Sons
Wilson, Hawksworth
Wilson Hawksworth & Moss
Moss & Gamble Bros
Wilson Hawksworth Moss & Ellison
Wilson Hawksworth & Ellison
Kayser, Ellison & Co

To see how they fit together we have to look at the formation of the principle players:

The firm of Wilson, Hawksworth & Moss was founded in 1825 by John Wilson (father of Lady Mappin) and John Wilson Hawksworth and rapidly established a reputation in the US. John Wilson had a premises in Sycamore Street which the company rented. Joshua Moss was originally the firms american agent, Such was his success that he was taken on as a partner in 1832, at which point his name was added. The 1833 trades directory for Sheffield gives Michael Hunter as being a table knife manufacturer, Sheldon Row, Willey Street; home Broomhill Terrace. In 1836 they moved to Arundel Lane, also renting another site where they made their own steel. By 1846 steel making was gaining greater prominence and Joseph Ellison had joined the firm. In the 1850s they relocated to the Don Valley, steel-making becoming their principal work. In 1869 they took on Charles W. Kayser as a traveller. Kayser, from Solingen gave them an ultimatum - at the end of 3 years they would either offer him a partnership or he would leave the firm. In 1872 he was made a partner, eventually becoming master of the whole company. It was under Kayser's direction that the firm abandoned knifemaking in favour of specialist steel production. They became known as Kayser, Ellison, one of Sheffield's leading special steelmakers.

The history of M Hunter & Son dates back to 1760 when Michael Hunter (one of the many Michael Hunter's in this family!) had a small business in West Street. By 1780 he was operating as Hunter & Twigg, knifemakers, with a premises in Back Lane. The next Michael Hunter in the family expanded the firm of Hunter & Son (he was also appointed Master Cutler in 1852). The third Michael Hunter built the business even further and during this time they occupied the Talbot Works Saville Street. Its corporate marks included the "Bugle", the "Buffalo" and the "Llama". The firm had agencies at Cape Town, Montreal, Hamburg, South America and other places. The third Michael Hunter was mayor of Sheffield during two consecutive years (1881 and 1882) and was also Master Cutler in 1860-61. He was also Alderman of the borough, and a Justice of the Peace. His son - another Michael! - was made a partner in 1833 and after the third Michael died the company assumed limited liability status in 1897. The fourth Michael became Master Cutler in 1903. The firm was absorbed by Needham, Veall & Tyzack sometime before 1911.

Interestingly, the Sheffield & Rotherham Independent of February 1822 recorded that the partnership between of Thomas Buxton Hawksworth, Michael Hunter, Junior, Joseph Bramell Ellison, Charles William Kayser and Simeon Hayes trading as Wilson, Hawksworth, Ellison and Co at Carlisle Works, Sheffield, merchants and manufacturers. was dissolved and that T. B. Hawksworth retires and John Henry Hunter joins the firm. Michael Hunter is also referred to in a number of other sources, none of which make it clear that he was a Michael Hunter from Hunter & Son/s, but a descendent of the family claims to have an article from 1833 that proves that as well as having a senior partnership in Hunter & Son/s he also held a senior partnership in the other company. I can't find any definitive evidence at this point, though.

Joshua Moss of Wilson Hawksworth & Moss left the firm in 1853 to set up a steel making concern at the Franklin Works, Sheffield, where he was joined by Joseph Gamble, the former steel manager for WH&M. Gamble brought his brother along and they called themselves Moss & Gamble Bros.

So - an interesting razor you have on your hands for sure!

Regards,
Neil

Well maybe I come by this straight razor thing honestly after all. My Last name is Moss and my relatives are from England. You just never know what you'll learn on here!! Could be non relation or could be my family!!!!

Welcome to SRP. I have a Wilson Hawksworth & Ellison and it is a stellar shaver. Typical Sheffield wedge. Anyway, cool that you have your family heirloom razors. Photos would be appreciated. Now I hope you will put them into service for you and future generations of the Moss family.