Marsden Brothers & Co.
Sheffield, England
1854 – 1901
Marsden Brothers & Co. was a respected Sheffield maker of edge tools, joiners’ tools, skates, and cutlery. Operating out of Bridge Street Works from approximately 1854 to 1895. The business was a family enterprise, passed through multiple generations, including Robert Marsden and his son Robert Wood Marsden.
In 1895, following a failed partnership, the firm was acquired by John Wilson, a skate maker, who briefly continued the name as John Wilson, Marsden Brothers. In 1901, the operation was ultimately absorbed by Robert Sorby & Sons, one of Sheffield’s best-known toolmakers.
The company earned a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship. Its most recognizable trademark is a stamped greyhound that appeared on many of its knives, tools, and axes (shown below). I’m not sure I would have known that was a Greyhound if I didn’t already know.
Marsden Business Timeline
The Marsden Brothers claimed a lineage back to the early 19th century, despite later claims of origins as early as 1696. The earliest documented form was:
1839 – 1845: Fenton & Marsden
Formed by Joseph Fenton and George Marsden around 1839, this partnership succeeded the firm of W. Staley. Initially located on Rockingham Street (at Ecclesall Works), they produced joiners’ tools, edge tools, skates, braces and bits, and screw boxes. In 1845, the business moved to Bridge Street, a location that would remain central to its operations for the next five decades.
1846 – 1852: Marsden Brothers & Silverwood
In 1846, Fenton’s interests were purchased by George Marsden, Robert Marsden, and Samuel Coward Silverwood, resulting in a new partnership: Marsden Brothers & Silverwood. The firm continued manufacturing tools and skates at the Bridge Street location.
1854 – 1895: Marsden Brothers & Co.
Between 1852 and 1854, the Marsdens acquired Silverwood’s share, and the company was renamed Marsden Brothers & Co. An advertisement from 1854 described them as manufacturers of edge tools, joiners’ tools, braces, bits, skates, screw boxes, and general hardware.
1895 – 1901: Wilson, Marsden Brothers & Co.
After acquiring Marsden Brothers & Co. in 1895, John Wilson—a prominent Sheffield skate manufacturer—briefly continued the business under the name Wilson, Marsden Brothers & Co. The firm operated out of Portland Works from 1898, maintaining production of edge tools and skates. In 1901, Wilson’s operations, including the Marsden name, were consolidated into Robert Sorby & Sons, marking the final chapter of the Marsden legacy as an independent manufacturer.
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