The Pryor ‘brothers’  were the sons of Joseph Pryor (a grinder) and his wife, Ann.  They included Henry (1806-1872), Ebenezer (1808-1853), and Joseph (1812-1889).   In 1833, Henry was apparently the first brother to appear in a directory as a scissors manufacturer in Claywood Terrace (off Shrewsbury Road).   Pryor Brothers (Henry and Joseph) had been launched by 1837 in Smithfield, but by 1841 was at Granville Works in Granville Street.  Bounded by Granville Lane, the factory overlooked the Midland Railway Station (a site now obliterated by the Supertram).  Pryor Bros by then included Ebenezer.  Henry resided at Standhill House, Dore.  Joseph lived at the factory.  They specialised in fine scissors, scissor-knives, and tailors’ shears, but also sold razors and pen knives.  The trade mark (granted in 1849) included the words: ‘PRYOR BROTHERS CELEBRATED SCISSORS’, beneath a clock face and the phrase, ‘USE YOUR TIME WELL’.  The directory (1852) had an illustrated advertisement.  The trade mark was sufficiently well known for the brothers to offer a £5 reward for information about its infringement (Sheffield Independent, 22 January 1859).  

Ebenezer died on 3 September 1853, aged 45.  In 1861, Henry told the Census that he was a farmer of a hundred acres.  Henry and Joseph retired and in 1871 were described as ‘gentlemen’ in the Park.  In 1870, Granville Works was occupied by Robert Allen (see Allen & Son), who by 1877 had acquired Pryor Bros’ name and trade marks.  Henry Pryor died at his residence, Shrewsbury Bank, on 16 November 1872, aged 67.  He left under £6,000.  Joseph died on 31 March 1889, aged 77, at his residence in Dykes Hall Road, Hillsborough.  He left £5,563.  The Pryor brothers were buried in Ecclesall.