Edward Stammers

When I first bought this charming old razor, I simply assumed that Edward Stammers was the proprietor of a shop at 99 Strand, London, and had bought the razor from a wholesaler in Sheffield. This was based on my assumption that Sheffield had always been the centre for cutlery manufacture in England. How wrong I was – I now find that the London cutlery trade guild preceded that of Sheffield by over two hundred years! In fact, London was the centre for cutlery manufacture until the early 1800s, when Sheffield began to expand into mass production with the advent of large steam powered factories, part of the Industrial Revolution.
Edward’s story is a rags to riches tale of a boy brought up in the rural Essex countryside, moving to London at the age of 14 to make his fortune and eventually to become a wealthy and influential society gent.

This is his story:
Edward was born in 1784 in Brightlingsea Essex, the son of Joseph Stammers (believed to be a turner) and Ann, nee Teversham. On 2 November 1798, at the age of 14, Edward was apprenticed to James Priest (1746-1821) a cutler of 382 Strand, London. James was an established cutler and was made Master Cutler of The Worshipful Company of Cutlers London in 1818.

Apprenticeships, in those times, were legal agreements between the child’s parent and the master and were governed by a set of signed Indentures. Rules were strict; the apprentice had to be aged between14 and 21, live with the master and effectively became an extra worker in the master’s household. He or she was subject to the absolute authority of the master and by the terms of their indenture could not gamble, go to the theatre or a public house, and certainly could not marry. The apprentice did not receive pay, and a premium, set by the master, had to be paid by the parent to the master – £10 being typical in Edward’s time (about £1000 now), this being paid by instalments.
Masters had to be Freemen, and often advertised for apprentices, as would parents seeking a career for their child. 

On 20 October 1807 Edward completed his apprenticeship and was made a Freeman of The Worshipful Company of Cutlers London by servitude. Their rules state:

“You are eligible for the freedom of the City by servitude if you have served a term of apprenticeship according to Custom of London; above the age of 21 years; never having been adjudged bankrupt and never having been convicted of a criminal offense”.

On 10 March 1810 he married James’ daughter, Sarah Priest, at Saint Clement Danes, Westminster, London. Their only child, Sarah Ann, was born in 1817.

Apprentices often married their master’s daughter, or even his widow! This was a shrewd move as it provided instant employment and the possibility of taking over the business when the master died or retired. It also meant that the master could possibly retire early and still receive an income from the business. 

In 1811 Edward’s shop was listed at 211 Strand, London as a cutler and razor maker, but in 1819 he moved to 99 & 100 Strand, where he was to remain until he retired in 1850.
In 1819 and 1820 Edward posted these two fascinating advertisements. They show his good business sense by moving from just producing cutlery to a wider range of quality goods for the wealthy, as by this period the main centre for cutlery production was moving from London to Sheffield.

The language is wonderful and, I believe, puts current advertising to shame:

“E. Stammers, 99 STRAND, knife and fork and razor maker and cutler to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, begs leave to inform the Nobility, Gentry, and his friends, that he has on Sale the Largest and most elegant assortment of Table Knives and Forks, upon his new and much approved principle, not to grease or soil the table when in use, never before brought to perfection E.S. particularly recommends his Patent Steel Desert Knives and Forks, in appearance equal to silver, and preferable in use, having an edge equal to a steel knife, in pearl and various mountings; also his much approved Razors and Strops, Pen-Knives and Scissors, Patent Corkscrew and Snuffers, with a great variety of new improvements in Cutlery – E.S. being a manufacturer, is enabled to offer these on very advantageous terms – Officers’ Messes and Merchants supplied. N.B Regiments can have their crest, badge &c on the handle or blade”.

“E. Stammers, 99 Strand, London, Cutler and Razor-Maker to his Royal Highness the Prince Rent, respectfully informs the nobility, gentry, and the public, that he has just finished an extensive assortment of Cutlery, &c. He confidently recommends to their notice his highly approved balance Table Knives and Forks, which, from their superior construction, prevents the cloth being soiled. Razors, Razor Strops, Pen-knives and Scissors; his much approved of plated on steel Desert Knives and Forks, in appearance equal to silver, and preferable for use, having the edge of a steel knife, and not above one third the price; Table and Dessert Spoons and Forks of the same description. Writing-Desks and Dressing Cases, Ladies’ Work-Boxes, with a variety of other articles too numerous on the most improved Principles, and in a superior Style to any yet offered to the public: an inspection only is necessary to prove his assertion. N.B. Wholesale and for Exportation”.By the 1830s Edward was prospering, and in addition to his London home and shop, he had acquired an elegant property in fashionable Brighton as the following advertisement shows (note that he now calls himself a silversmith):
The Court Journal – 13th July 1833
“BRIGHTON. —TO LET, an Excellent House, new and handsomely Furnished, has been put in the best order, situated in the most Fashionable Part, being on the West near Regency square, making up Nine Beds, with Dining-rooms, Drawing-rooms, and other conveniences; good offices for Servants; with or without Coach-house and Stabling. For rent, and other particulars, enquire of Mr Stammers, Silversmith, 99, Strand, London; or No.2 Queensberry place, Brighton. All letters post paid”.