Please note

Because of the lack of published trowel and masonry tool histories, the information here is based on other sources that may be less reliable and certainly are incomplete. These include eBay and tools that I purchase myself that are the starting points for my research. I will write what I know as I learn it. If what you read here interests you, please check back often and look for revisions and corrections. Scanned catalogs are on Archive.org as pdf files. A few are links to other websites. Your photos and information are welcome. Please click on any picture to enlarge it. Comments are welcome, but any with links will be deleted as possible spam.

Saturday, June 11, 2016

History of Joseph Tyzack & Son, Ltd.


Meersbrook Works, 1940 catalogue
Joseph Tyzack & Son, Ltd., with its distinctive three-leg logo, was one of the most recognized Sheffield Tool manufacturers. Its good reputation has ensured the survival of its name to today, after many corporate mergers. As an independent firm, its product line was as broad as any tool and cutlery manufacturer, worldwide. I have been fortunate to recently purchase and scan a complete 1940 J. Tyzack & Son catalogue. The links are on the right side of this page. Following are key dates in the company's history:

1837 – Joseph Tyzack (1813-1891) started in business. After Thomas Tyzack (1842-1923) joined his father, it was renamed Joseph Tyzack & Son. "Thomas married and had three daughters, Cassandra, Minnie and Rose, and two sons, George and Clement. Clement (1877-1918) took over from his father and was succeeded by joint managing directors, Minnie (1879-1970) and Rose (born 1882).” (WK Fine Tools, a site no longer on the web)

1876 – Thomas Tyzack built Meersbrook Works, Valley Road, Heeley, later part of Sheffield. Parts of Meersbrook Works survives today.

1942 – Joseph Tyzack & Son joined Isaac Nash of Wollaston Mills, Stourbridge, Worcestershire to form Nash Tyzack Industries Ltd.

June 1951 letter confirming merger
1951 – Nash Tyzack Industries combined with William Hunt and Sons, The Brades, Ltd. to become Brades and Nash Tyzack Industries of Stourbridge.

1960 – Brades and Nash Tyzack Industries was acquired by Spear and Jackson, which kept its name.

1962 – Brades and Nash Tyzack Industries merged with C.T. Skelton and Co. of Sheffield to form Brades, Skelton and Tyzack, also called the BST Group.

1967 – Brades, Skelton and Tyzack became part of Spearwell Tools of Wednesbury, Staffordshire, with the following amalgamated firms: Brades and Nash Tyzack Industries Ltd., Edward Elwell Ltd., Edward and William Lucas Ltd., Isaac Nash & Sons Ltd., C.T. Skelton & Co. Ltd., Spear & Jackson Ltd., Thomas Staniforth & Co. Ltd.
J. Tyzack  & Son Centenary double hang finishing trowel
J. Tyzack & Son Canadian pattern brick trowel
J. Tyzack tuck iron











J. Tyzack & Son stainless steel pointing trowel
J. Tyzack & Son 4½ inch brick bolster

8 comments:

  1. I have a no.1 cleaver/chopper In extremely good condition, wondering how old it is and watch it might b worth

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  2. I found a 6 inch pointing trowel at a garage sale. I picked it up because my dad was a masonry contractor when I was a kid and he was always bitching about the guys losing expensive tools, and I recognized it as good quality. I was intrigued by the barely visible 3-leg logo and could just make out "NGLA" which I recognized as part of the word England (also "ACK" and "EFFIE") From there, I did some searching and found your website.

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  3. Recently acquired a small 8 1/4" trowel is looks like from the 1842-1923 period. solid metal end to end, 8 sided handle. would like to identify it's purpose and value. It is in near perfect condition. I could provide a photo if that helps?
    Paul Beck pb3realestate@gmail.com

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  4. Hi guys does anyone know who/where I can purchase an old tyzack centenary plastering trowel from in original packaging? Thanks

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    2. let me know if you,ever find out please bud. i have a couple of stainless centennial,s #216 , a bit worn, but still fantastic trowels. would love to find out where to buy a brand new one.

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  5. Many years ago an elderly neighbor gave me a socket tang wood chisel, missing its handle. I came to appreciate its quality and working geometry and just recently rehandled it.
    It is a J Tyzack&Son and is now good for another century.
    Thank you for the information on this site.

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  6. Hi have a giant 1350mm long trowel by Josh tyzack circa 1880..made for advertising..any info or help greatly appreciated

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