Several generations of the Hides family were active in the Sheffield cutlery industry, claiming to have started around 1709/1790 and are listed in Sheffield & Rotherham Directory's during the 1800 and 1900s.

Robert Timm Hides (1819-1875) was the son Robert Hides,  listed as a 'Hafter Presser', occupying premises at Orchard Street.  Following Robert Hides death the business was purchased by his two sons George Hides (1815-1887) and Robert Timm Hides, however the brothers were involved in a legal feud over their fathers will, which was 'thrown out of court' initially but erupted again a few years later.  Robert Timm died 12 August 1875 whilst living in Nether Edge, leaving under £5,000.  The business continued to be run by George and later by George's son William Fearn Hides, by 1925 the company was listed as W. F. Hides & Son and ceased trading during the Second World.

(See George Hides & Son for a detailed the history of the Hides business).