Samuel Smith (and his brother John) were – like their father – scissors manufacturers.  Samuel traded from 82 Carver Street by 1817, where he was a scissors manufacturer, ornamenter [etcher] of polished steel, and dealer in cutlery.  At various times, he sold scissor knives, table knives, and razors.  He became Master Cutler in 1839.  In 1841, he described himself as razor manufacturer to HRH Prince Albert.  His mark was a running hound.  Leader (1905-6)¹ depicted a ‘lively and gentlemanly man, much given to dancing and Freemasonry’.  However, Smith only agreed to give an address at the marriage of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert 1840 on condition that the customary knighthood was not offered to him (believing that his status as a small manufacturer did not warrant the honour).  Leader commented that this proved wise, as misfortune (either illness or bankruptcy) overtook him. 

Certainly, Smith became bankrupt.  In 1842, he auctioned his stock, tools, and household furniture.  His stock included examples of the celebrated ‘Saxe Gotha’ razors with gold mountings and shields (Sheffield Independent, 7 May 1842).  In 1842, the Company of Cutlers gave £5 distress money to Samuel Smith, who died on 20 July 1843, aged 61.  St Peter’s burial register described him as a ‘razor manufacturer’, residing in Glossop Road (Portland Place).  In that year, the Company of Cutlers helped his widow gain admission to Shrewsbury Hospital in Sheffield.

^1. Leader, R E, History of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire in the County of York (Sheffield, 1905-6)