Massive Rare Collection of 72 Antique S&J Kitchin (Sheffield, England) Printer’s Blocks, circa 1870-80s, each individual block featuring a different model of the MACHETE!
Each block features a detailed copper-coated lead (51 ct.) or zinc top plate (15 ct.) affixed to wood (6 designs are directly on the wood), each one a different style & in overall excellent condition. Beautiful display pieces! Sold as a complete collection. Length of blocks range between 3.25” to 7.25”. Total weight is 13 pounds.
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S&J Kitchin History:
The key individuals were brothers Samuel Kitchin (1821-1866) & John Kitchin (1839-1894). Samuel moved to Sheffield by 1841 and began pursuing a variety of jobs as hardware merchant, clerk, grocer, and razor manufacturer in Porter Street. Apparently, he founded the firm in 1853 at Tom Cross Lane. Samuel operated at Argyle Works, Hollis Croft. In 1861, when he was listed as a bowie maker at No. 22 Hollis Croft, he employed 40 men.
By 1864, the workforce was over 70. John Kitchin also became partner in the firm, which was restyled S. & J. Kitchin, and he eventually assumed control. In 1868, Kitchin was granted the snake mark, with the letters ‘XCD’. The firm relocated to Soho Cutlery Works, 13 Summerfield Street, which was near the General Cemetery in the Porter Valley. During the 1860s-1870s, S&J Kitchin regularly advertised in Sheffield directories.
Table & butchers’ cutlery were a speciality, but Kitchin also manufactured bowies and hunting tools, machetes, daggers, pocket cutlery & razors. Under John Kitchin, the workforce grew from 123 in 1871 to 205 in 1881. However, at the start of 1894, John suffered some kind of ‘brain mischief’ (probably a stroke), which caused his death at Clifford, Psalter Lane, July 22, 1894, aged 62.
