Alfred Hunter (1804-1887) was born in Sheffield. His baptism was at Upper (Unitarian) Chapel on Norfolk Street, with his parents recorded in the register as Michael and Mary. Alfred’s father was almost certainly Michael Hunter (1759-1831) the owner of the cutlery business of the same name (see M. Hunter & Son Ltd). Apparently, Alfred began his career by partnering his older brother, also named Michael (1800-1886). In the Sheffield directory (1828), William and Alfred Hunter were listed as manufacturers of table knives and forks, palette, cook and oyster knives at Willey Street in the Wicker. ‘William’ is likely a mistake for Michael, as in the following year Michael and Alfred Hunter announced the dissolution of their partnership as table knife manufacturers.
On 5 December 1827, Alfred was married in Sheffield to Selma née Smith. In the following year, their son, Alfred Selma Hunter (1828-1892), was born. In 1829, Alfred and Selma (and baby Alfred), emigrated to the USA. They arrived in New York City at the end of October 1829. Nearly a year later, their daughter, Selma Elizabeth (1830-1920), was born in New York. Her baptism appeared in the register of Upper Chapel on 25 November 1832, suggesting that her parents must have returned home. If so, they soon returned to America. Alfred became naturalised in 1836 and he and Selma soon had another son, Harry J. (c.1837-1909).
Thereafter, Alfred spent his working career until 1865 in Newark, New Jersey. He advertised as a table knife and fine cutlery manufacturer at Washington Factory, Sheffield Street, near State Street. The name ‘Washington’ had echoes of the Washington Works of George Wostenholm. Besides table cutlery, Hunter became ‘a popular and prolific Bowie knife maker’ (Knife World, March 1994). His knives are displayed in numerous collectors’ books, including Flayderman (2004). Adams et al (1990)2 remark that there is a debate as to whether Hunter’s knives were American or English made. Certainly, letters that Hunter sent to the Newark Daily Advertiser, dated 22, 24 September 1849, stated that he never advertised his knives as ‘wholly American’. He had visited Sheffield in the previous year and imported ivory ‘teeth’ from England (information courtesy of Mark Zalesky).
Hunter had retired by 1870. Selma died at Irvington, New Jersey, on 18 February 1885. She was aged 83. Alfred drew up another will, leaving most of his personal estate to his daughter, Selma, and the real estate to Harry. He bequeathed $2,000 to his other son, Alfred, but it was to be held in trust by his brother and sister. The Sheffield Daily Telegraph (26 February 1887) reported Alfred Sen.’s death at his home at Irvington on 10 February 1887. He was aged 83. Alfred and Selma were buried at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Newark. His sons were also involved in cutlery production, but later branched into the jewellery and photographic business (Pankiewicz, 2010)3.
1. Flayderman, Norm, The Bowie Knife: Unsheathing an American Legend (Woonsocket, RI, 2004)
2. Adams, W, Voyles, J B, and Moss, T, The Antique Bowie Knife Book (Conyers, Georgia, 1990)
3. Pankiewicz, Philip R, New Jersey Cutlery (The author, 2010)