Thread: A. Wilson & Son history?

I recently acquired a nice set of A. Wilson & Son razors but can't find any history on this manufacturer. Does anyone know the dates of manufacture or any other information?

Thanks!

WOW!! That is a NICE set for sure.

I'm not familiar with the maker, but he damn sure had his act together with that pair of ivory handled beauties.

Judging from the stamp, I'd say pre 1892.

A. Wilson was Albert Wilson, the son of a 'razor smith' - charles Wilson, of George Street. George was born around 1796 but appears to have died by 1851, as his wife Sarah is listed as head of household. The family seem to have been quite gifted - Albert was a razor smith, brother Robert was a 'professor of music', brother George a 'silver chaser' and brother Arthur a penknife grinder. Tweedale list Alberts date of birth as 1838, but various official documents give it as 1836. In 1871 he seems to have dabbled in other trades, calling himself an 'edge tool maker' rather than a razor smith. At some point in the 1870s he seems to have become a partner of George Ibberson, another famous Sheffield razor and edge tool maker - perhaps that is why he listed his profession as he did in 1871. In 1881 he has relocated - first to Langdon Street, then Bowden Street, and described himself as a "master razor hafter employing one man and two boys" - and as 'razor maker' and trading under his own name. Their corporate mark of 'Sans Rival' and the emblem of a child with outstretched arms is depicted in an 1895 trade journal. Son Frederick is also described as a razor hafter in 1881, and 'manager (razor manufacturer)' however at some point Frederick becomes head of the firm and is recorded as such in 1901 while father Albert is described as an 'employer' and 'silver engraver'. Curiously, in 1901 Frederick describes his business as 'cutlery manufacturing'. However, in 1911 he is calling himself a 'razor manufacturer and employer'. Albert appears to have died in the same year, and the company of A Wilson & Son ceased trading in the 1920s.

Good call, Wullie!

Regards,
Neil

Thanks Wullie! I was surprised to find very few examples of this maker while searching. Maybe he wasn't in business too long?

Thanks Neil! I appreciate all the great information that you have provided. Albert sure was a skilled razor maker and I'm proud to have this set in my collection :-)

Originally Posted by mattluthier

...Maybe he wasn't in business too long?

At least 40 years - seems a long time to me.

Regards,
Neil

Originally Posted by mattluthier

...Albert sure was a skilled razor maker and I'm proud to have this set in my collection :-)

I agree - they certainly look a bit special compared to most, you are very lucky!

Regards,
Neil