Thread: A 6/8” Sheffield, Wade, Wingfield & Rowbotham

Nice little win today on eBay from England. It had Wade in the name so it was a must buy I wonder if there is a connection to Wade and Butcher, the dates are in line?

A 6/8” 1/4 to 1/2 hollow ground, Sheffield Straight Razor, Wade, Wingfield & Rowbotham. The hone wear is light, at less than .5mm

Manufacturers Info.WADE, WINGFIELD & ROWBOTHAM
Sheffield ca. 1835 - 1852
Wingfield, Rowbotham, & Co. merchants, 82 Tenter street; 82 Arundel lane, Table & spring knife, razor, file, & steel manufacturers, & saw manufacturers.

Congratulations on the win! I was following that auction, and almost bid on it myself, but I'm glad to know that the razor will be appreciated.

The Wade in "Wade & Butcher" was Robert Wade, I believe he was based in Ny as an importer around 1820s-ish, large market for him and the butcher bros at the time. Im not sure if he would/could have any connection to Wade, Wingfield, Rowbotham. The Wade in W, W, R left after 1852, not sure how long Robert Wade was even around, perhaps someone has dates of birth/death?

Robert Wade is a huge and complicated topic.

The short version is: there were two of them associated with the company. The father co-founded Wade & Butcher, the son was employed by William and Samuel Butcher to run the American side of their business. He moved to Philadelphia in the late 1830's and married into old money. Twice!

Interestingly, the company Wade & Butcher ceased to exist in the early 1820's when Robert Wade died, but the brand was so successful that the Butcher brothers continued to produce goods with the name on them (think Cadillac).

If I'm remembering correctly, there's no relation at all to the Wade of Wade, Wingfield & Rowbotham.

Robert Wade was baptized June 4th, 1773 and died December 8th, 1825.

His son was born August 6th, 1819 and died March 19th, 1887.

[QUOTE=Voidmonster;1338956]
Interestingly, the company Wade & Butcher ceased to exist in the early 1820's when Robert Wade died, but the brand was so successful that the Butcher brothers continued to produce goods with the name on them
QUOTE]

finally, clarification! I had been wondering about that! thank you

[QUOTE=silverloaf;1338985]

Originally Posted by Voidmonster

Interestingly, the company Wade & Butcher ceased to exist in the early 1820's when Robert Wade died, but the brand was so successful that the Butcher brothers continued to produce goods with the name on them
QUOTE]

finally, clarification! I had been wondering about that! thank you

That was one of the questions that really got me into the history of this stuff. The story about Wade being a New York businessman never quite made sense to me.

It turns out to be true, just not in the way you'd think!

that is kind of a small razor for you. That and no spike point, it makes me wonder what you were thinking.

Looks to be in excellent condition, nice catch.

Originally Posted by Voidmonster

Robert Wade is a huge and complicated topic.

The short version is: there were two of them associated with the company. The father co-founded Wade & Butcher, the son was employed by William and Samuel Butcher to run the American side of their business. He moved to Philadelphia in the late 1830's and married into old money. Twice!

Interestingly, the company Wade & Butcher ceased to exist in the early 1820's when Robert Wade died, but the brand was so successful that the Butcher brothers continued to produce goods with the name on them (think Cadillac).

If I'm remembering correctly, there's no relation at all to the Wade of Wade, Wingfield & Rowbotham.

Robert Wade was baptized June 4th, 1773 and died December 8th, 1825.

His son was born August 6th, 1819 and died March 19th, 1887.

As always Voidmonster......

Originally Posted by RezDog

that is kind of a small razor for you. That and no spike point, it makes me wonder what you were thinking.

Don't give Phrank a hard time for getting my birthday present good and early



Great looking specimen, something very elegant with the simplicity that does catch the eye Phrank.
Enjoy it!