S. Sorby chisel

[Paul O'Halloran]

I picked up an old 2" chisel at a garage sale,
The name on it is " S. Sorby " not R or Robert. I can't find a country of origin on it. There appears to be something on th back but it is worn too bad to read it
does anyone know anything about " S .Sorby" ??

Paul
http://paul.ohalloran.ca

[Brent Smith]

Hi Paul,

I've never heard of S. Sorby chisels, but here's a link to the family and company history. It appears there were more than a few members of the family that went off on there own in business.
http://www.robert-sorby.co.uk/company_info.htm

[Wiley Horne]

Is it possible that the 'S.' is actually an 'I'? I. SORBY is a frequently seen trademark for edgetools.

Wiley

[Paul O'Halloran]

Wiley
You are correct it is an "I "
Thanks
Paul
ps I have an appointment with my Eye doctor next weeK

[Dave Anderson NH]

Further clarification. In the 18th and early 19th centuries the capital "I." was often used as a substitute for the letter J. It is a John Sorby chisel. I have a couple of I. Sorby chisels and some old old I. Sorby turning tools made from carbon steel.

[Mike Henderson]

Further clarification. In the 18th and early 19th centuries the capital "I." was often used as a substitute for the letter J.

That's very interesting to know. Thanks for posting that, Dave.

Mike

[Wiley Horne]

The 'I. SORBY' trademark did originate approx. 1810. However, it went on to be used by numerous successor firms, perhaps even into the 20th century. I know this because of some information received from the ever-reliable Don McConnell. Herewith:

_______
Subject: Re: I. Sorby dates?
Posted By: Don McConnell DGMcConnell@cox.net
Date: Tuesday, 11 December 2007, at 11:37 p.m.
In Response To: I. Sorby dates? (Wiley Horne)

Wiley,

According to Ken Roberts (_Some 19th Century English Woodworking Tools_, © 1980), the "I. SORBY" mark began with Isaac Sorby, in Sheffield, about 1810. I don't know the source of this information, but it is consistent with claims of succeeding firms to have been established in 1810.

Though the "I. SORBY" mark seems to have been continuously in use into the 20th century, there was quite a succession of firms involved:

Sorby, Turner & Skidmore: 1814 - 1822
Wicker
(Sorby, Turner & Co. in edge tool makers listing, 1822)

Sorby & Turner: 1825 - 1828
Good Croft, Willey Street, Wicker

John Turner: 1833 - 1847
Sheldon Row, Willey Street, Wicker [1833 - 1834]
121 Saville Street [1837 - 1847]

Turner & Wheelhouse: 1852
31 Earl Street
(John Turner & William Wheelhouse)

Charles & Joseph Turner: 1854 -1857
31 Earl Street

Joseph Turner & Co.: 1858 - 1868
Castle Hill
(Joseph Naylor in firm, 1861)

Turner, Naylor & Co.: 1871 - 1872
Castle Hill

Turner, Naylor & Marples: 1876 - 1893
Northern Tool Works, John Street
(Charles Marples, son of William Marples)

Turner, Naylor & Co.: 1893 - 1909/1963
Northern Tool Works, John Street

Purchased by William Marples & Sons in 1909, but the Turner, Naylor & Co. firm continued operations until 1963.

Don McConnell
Eureka Springs, AR
____________________

That Don McConnell is amazingly knowledgeable and generous with what he knows. Anyway, the 'I. SORBY' trademark spanned at least 100 years. I take that to be a sign of a strong brand!


Wiley

[Dave Anderson NH]

Now you've got me wondering Wiley. I know that I was often used in place of J, but is my chisel a Issac or a John? Time to do some more research I guess or email Don.

[Wiley Horne]

Now you've got me wondering Wiley. I know that I was often used in place of J, but is my chisel a Issac or a John? Time to do some more research I guess or email Don.

Dave,

I think emailing Don would be a good idea. What we have is two stories--the Sorby history posted by Brent Smith, and Don's history carefully gleaned from Ken Roberts and other company history accounts--which do not contradict each other, but which also do not tell the exact same tale. For example, Brent's Sorby company history does not mention Isaac Sorby. We do know that the 'I' part of the 'I. & H. Sorby' mark related to a John Sorby.

If you need to refresh Don's memory (unlikely), the text of his that I quoted was a post to WoodCentral.

Wiley