This firm can be traced to T. E. Rowbotham & Son, cutlery manufacturers, Globe Works, Penistone Road.  Thomas Edward Rowbotham (c.1857-1922) was a Wadsley-born spring knife cutler, who by 1881 was working and living in Hill Foot, Sheffield.  He married Annie Millicent and they had a son named Harold Rowbotham, who was born on 5 February 1894.   T. E. Rowbotham & Son was listed in 1919, but when Thomas died  ownership of the firm passed to Harold and his sisters, Lizzie and Nellie.  This arrangement (which also included Harry Jackson and J.W.  Abrahams) was dissolved in 1924.   T. E. Rowbotham then disappeared from directories, but Harold continued to trade.  

In 1931, H. Rowbotham & Co (Sheffield) Ltd was registered as a private limited company, with £1,000 capital, and Harold Rowbotham and Rose E. Rowbotham (his wife) as subscribers.  The address was Milton Works, Headford Street.  In 1951, the company was an exhibitor (and advertiser) at the British Industries Fair.  Rowbotham made (or sold) a traditional range of pocket knives, scissors, and table cutlery.   In 1969, Harold Rowbotham voluntarily wound up the business.  He died at Norton Lees Road, on 3 July 1970, aged 76.  His widow, Rose Ellen, died on 29 October 1970.