RARE order Set of Askham & Mosforth Butter Knives Bone Handle (Made between 1852-1855)

RARE Set of Askham & Mosforth Butter Knives Bone Handle (Made between 1852-1855)

John Askham was born in Sheffield – probably in 1817 - the son of Joshua, a cutler, and his wife, Elizabeth. He apparently served his apprenticeship in Broad Lane, where Samuel Frost operated a cutlery manufacturer. In about 1850, Askham became a partner in the table cutlery business of Frost, Askham & Mosforth at Broad Lane Works. Thomas Mosforth (b. 1821), was the son of a table-knife forger. Local historian Mary Chesworth (1984), who located a billhead for the firm, wrote that ‘the partnership ... seems to have been of very short duration'. Frost retired and by 1852 the firm was Askham & Mosforth, with the former based in New York (Askham's five-year-old son died there in 1850). In 1855, Askham & Mosforth was dissolved and John Askham became the sole owner.

NOTE: These knives are approx 170 years old. The handles and blades show that and should be purchased as collectible antiques and not for functional use. Please view pictures and ask any and all questions prior to purchasing. order