The Martin brothers were John Aaron Martin (born 5 June 1819) and Richard Martin (born 5 January 1821).  They were born in London, the sons of Richard Martin and his wife Sarah (who was the daughter of Aaron Hatfield).  Richard Sen. was a jeweller, hardwareman, and silversmith in Falcon Court, Fleet Street. 

By 1849, John and Richard Jun. had formed a partnership with James Naylor, a Sheffield cutlery manufacturer.  The firm took over the silver business of Aaron Hatfield in Pepper Alley.  Martin Bros & Naylor was listed in 1849 in Pepper Alley and Palsgrave Place, London, as a manufacturer of silver-plated and steel cutlery, and electro-plated spoons and forks.  Intriguingly, in the Census (1851) the Martin brothers were enumerated as silver cutlers living with their uncle (John Hatfield, a brewer) at Endcliffe Grange.  This was Aaron Hatfield’s former home. 

In 1851, John Aaron Martin withdrew, and the firm became Martin & Naylor, with Richard Martin (Endcliffe Crescent) and James Naylor (Cheney Place) as partners.  They split in 1853 and the firm became part of Martin, Hall.