James Mappin was listed in 1841 as an engraver and pearl cutter at the back of Norfolk Row.  He lived in Shirley Hill.  By 1849, he was a spring-knife manufacturer and engraver in partnership with John Hudson in Burgess Street.   By 1852, ‘& Sons’ signified the addition of John and Theophilus, who in 1862 lived with their father in Sharrow.   James Mappin died at Clifford Cottage, Sharrow Road, on 19 September 1869, aged 69, and was buried in Ecclesall.  Theophilus took control of the enterprise as Mappin & Sons.   He still lived at Clifford Cottage.   In 1879, the business was renamed Mappin & Son and continued to manufacture spring knives in Burgess Street.  The business employed six men in 1881.  Theophilus Mappin, who lived at The Hirst, Wadsley, and was formerly honorary secretary to the People’s College, died on 5 August 1885, aged 49.  He was buried in Ecclesall, leaving £320.  According to The Sheffield Independent, 10 August 1885, he had led a ‘somewhat retiring life’.  

In 1886, the name and assets were bought by Edwin Blyde, who registered the name ‘Mappin & Sons’.  This led in 1905 to an injunction from Mappin & Webb.  Eventually, the latter acquired the ‘Mappin & Sons’ goodwill and name from Blyde to prevent any further use.