Trade Mark from Eileen Woodhead - Trademarks on Base-Metal Tableware
In 1797, James Wild (c.1770-1848) was listed as a table knife and pocket knife cutler at Pea Croft. The trade mark was ‘WILD’ and a Maltese Cross. In 1811, James Wild was listed at Townhead Street. By 1816, he traded from Whitecroft, where he was a dealer in cutlery and ivory, pearl, and horn. His son – by his wife, Ann (d. 1832) – was William (1794-1863). By 1822, the firm was listed as ‘& Son’. Leader (1876)1 believed that there was never a ‘more feeling, honourable, and upright man’ than James Wild – though Leader admitted that he was not as successful as his contemporaries. He was bankrupt in 1837. He died at Shrewsbury Hospital on 28 November 1848, aged 78, and was buried in St Peter’s churchyard. His son, William, had started trading from Coalpit Lane as an ivory, shell, and bone merchant. He employed only one man in 1851. But when William died on 16 January 1863, aged 68, he left under £10,000. He was buried at Ecclesall.
1. Leader, Robert E, Reminiscences of Old Sheffield (Sheffield, 2nd edn 1876)