Thread: Evatt Cast Steel 1700s?

It was probably made by William Evatt around 1791-1805.

A quick look through the usual sources doesn't turn up much, as is usually the case for folks working in that period. Here's the brief sketch I can put together.

William Evatt was born in the 1770's to Joseph Evatt a basket weaver from Castle Donington. In 1782 William was apprenticed to William Wright, a general cutler, and he served the full 7 years of his apprenticeship and was ultimately freed in 1790. It would be after that point that he was allowed to make goods with his name on them.

In 1791 William -- now listed as a razor maker --apprenticed Joseph Ingle. Ingle did not complete his apprenticeship.

In 1795 he took on Samuel Marsh as an apprentice. Marsh never completed his apprenticeship, which was fairly common. Apprentices would often join the navy rather than complete their term because the life on a boat was perceived to be (and in actuality regularly was) much easier.

In 1797 he took William John Auslick as an apprentice. Auslick never completed his apprenticeship. Evatt may not have been the best guy to work for.

And that's it. I bet Neil Miller can turn up more!