Matthias Spencer and Sons, Albion Steel Works, Sheffield, were in business from 1749 to 1968. They manufactured brick trowels and other products of forged, plate, and drawn steel, such as shovels, miner's picks, files, table knives, razors, and wire. In the 19th century the works were on Pea Croft, now Solly Street, Sheffield, a neighborhood of small factories and attached worker housing. According to the book, "Illustrated Guide to Sheffield & District 1879", they were called John R. Spencer and Son, Albion Steel Works at that time. The picture shows 3 cone-shaped cementation furnaces at the rear, indicating that Spencer was making their own steel from wrought iron and charcoal.
For an article about a surviving steel works and owner's house, located only a few blocks away from Matthias Spencer and Sons, see the fifth link below.
Grace's Guide - Matthias Spencer and Sons
Albion Steel Works picture, circa 1879
Wikipedia - Cementation process of steelmaking
Google Maps - Solly Street, Sheffield
Wikipedia - Well Meadow Street Crucible Furnace
Wikipedia - Surviving cementation furnace, Sheffield
Related article - Early Victorian Housing in Sheffield
 |
| Matthias Spencer brick trowel, missing handle |
 |
| Matthias Spencer 1895 (Grace's Guide) |
i have an 11 inch narrow london brick trowel that i got on ebay u.s.a .the brand name stamped into the blade is tara.have you ever come across them.its got a wood handle on it.
ReplyDelete