Hallam was a relatively common name among Hallamshire pen and pocket knife cutlers in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century.  Leader (1905-06)¹ listed several in his history of the Company of Cutlers.  Reconstructing the biographies of these individuals is difficult.  However, Thomas Hallam was granted his Freedom in 1753 and Thomas Hallam (the son of Thomas), in Heeley, followed in about 1783.   In directories, Thomas Hallam – a pen knife cutler in Heeley – was listed in 1774, with his son also listed in 1787.  Their trade marks were the word ‘HALM’ and cross for Thomas Sen.; and ‘HALM’ and crown device for Thomas Jun.  Neither was listed by 1797, though cutlers named Hallam remained active in Heeley.  

^1. Leader, R E, History of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire in the County of York (Sheffield, 1905-6)