Postby dognose » Wed May 27, 2015 1:04 pm
SAMUEL, later, RICHARD BRADFORD
Bagwell Street, Clonmel
Mr. Samuel Bradford, Cutler, Clonmel
For two Glass-cases containing various kinds of Cutlery.
Source: The Report and Adjudication of the Judges on the Exhibition of Irish Manufacture, Produce, and Invention - Royal Dublin Society - 1847
BRADFORD, S., Clonmel, Designer and Manufacturer. - Model of a cutler’s workshop; razors, in tortoiseshell, pearl, ivory, and horn handles; razor strops; pen, pocket, pruning, clasp, hunting, and sportsmen's knives; daggers; bowie knives; portable knife and fork, with transferring blades, &c.; bread knife, with carved ivory handle; case of veterinary instruments ; tobacco cutter, and cucumber slicer; skates, of improved pattern; large show knife and fork.
Source: The Irish Industrial Exhibition of 1853 - J. Sproule - 1854
The Clonmel Cutlery has achieved a reputation second to none in the world. The manufacture was at one time in a most thriving condition, and gave large employment to skilled workers of the best class. The English and foreign aristocracy—nay, royalty itself, were numbered amongst its regular patrons in the days when Sheffield blades were unheard of. The remnant of this great and creditable industry has still a most worthy representative in Mr. Richard Bradford, whose Factory is the oldest manufacturing concern in Ireland, and the longest established cutlers in the United Kingdom, if not in Europe. This house dates from the year 1646, and has worked without a single break until the present hour, Mr. Bradford having taken over the business in 1863. The employment given, in point of numbers, is not remarkable when compared with the large Sheffield houses, but in temper, finish, and lasting wear, Bradford's knives and razors are not surpassed by anything we have ever seen. The cutlery supplied from this house secured awards at the Great Exhibition held in London during the year 1851, Dublin (R. D. S.) Triennial Exhibition in 1844, and was also recognised at subsequent Dublin Exhibitions by gold and silver medals. The establishment had also the distinction of regularly supplying, by appointment, the late Prince Albert, and Napoleon III. The cutlery now exhibited, like everything sold by Mr. Bradford, has been manufactured from the raw materials on the premises, every portion of the process being performed in Clonmel. Mr. Bradford is also a manufacturer of fishing tackle, which he also shows.
Source: Illustrated Guide to the Cork International Exhibition - H C. Hartnell - 1883
Trev.