I'd be interested in anything anybody might be able to add to this somewhat confusing relationship. If you look in any of the usual reference books, BSSM being the most comprehensive, they all list Maw and Staley as a partnership of Kergarth Maw and William Staley (I'll use Kergarth because his business records, marriage record and headstone all are spelled Kergarth). My saw clearly has an "s" at the end. I discovered there was actually another Staley named Thomas. The London Gazette published on July 3, 1829 page 1574 an announcement, I'll paraphrase, that the partnership of Kergarth Maw, William Staley and Thomas Staley of Sheffield of the firm Maw & Staleys was dissolved by mutual consent on Aug. 4, 1829 and all debts, etc. will be received and paid by the Staleys. We know that Maw stepped out, possibly at this time, and died in 1833. Interestingly, The Sheffield Directory and Guide of 1828 lists on page 121 under "Cutlery - Edge Tool Makers" Maw and Staleys, Rockingham St. and on the same page under "Cutlery - Joiners' Tool Makers" Maw and Staley, Rockingham St. I don't know if this was a typo or if they divided the business, one with Thomas and one without for some reason. In the same directory on page 88 both William and Thomas are listed as factors on Rockingham St. I noticed on eBay tools, mostly chisels, listed with and without the "s" . Perhaps one signified for export; I don't remember if I bought it here or directly from England, where I buy many of my saws. Any thoughts or contributions?
Hey Araldite et al Nice early saw. Early on I presented a Staley saw and Ray was great in his run down on some of the history that might help you fill in the blanks. http://www.backsaw.net/forum/index.php?threads/maw-and-staley.12/#post-51 Your example and detective work explains the plural "Staley" quite nicely. At what point both the brothers quit making saws and only William made them is now a new question. Great stuff. Enjoy that saw Joe S.
Thanks, Joe. Actually I read that post and had you in mind when I posted this because you wanted to see an example with both names. You also mentioned how clean your Staley is; mine is also unbelievably clean for it's age with no rust or pitting and just one missing tooth and a small chip out of the upper horn. This always makes me wonder about it's history and how extensively it was refurbished. Vince