‘Comet’ stainless table knives – which were probably produced in the interwar period – have not survived in great profusion.  But old boxed sets of such knives have garish colour packaging and a comet (and its tail) depicted on the carton (and sometimes etched on the blade).  Such knives were made for the mass market; often for export.

Comet Cutlery Co was not apparently listed in any Sheffield directory: probably because it was not a factory or company, but a brand name.  The identity of the owner remains a mystery.  Intriguingly, however, better quality ‘Comet’ cutlery was marketed.  Sets of stainless butter knives had blades etched ‘Comet Cutlery Compy’, with their silver handles marked ‘EV’.  That mark had been registered by Emile Viner (of Viners Ltd).  Perhaps Viners owned ‘Comet’.

If you have any further details please share them with us via enquiries@hawleytoolcollection.com