1855-1891 Albert Oates Sheffield One Blade Folding Knife

ALBERT OATES (Ref Hawleysheffieldknives)
The Oates’ had been cutlers, scythe grinders, and farmers at Stannington since at least the eighteenth century.  In 1855, (William) Albert Oates (1835-1896) began making spring knives.  He was listed in 1864 at Wentworth Terrace, but after 1866 rented a workshop at Brookes & Crookes Atlantic Works, St Philip’s Road,  Presumably, he sometimes made knives for the latter.  Oates’s own productions used the trade mark ‘AOT’ (granted in 1855).  In 1882, he acquired ‘CURRENT’ (formerly used by Alfred Hobson).  Albert lived with his family at 6 Burrowlee Road, Owlerton.  He died on 14 May 1896 
His son, Frederick William Oates (1860-1923), continued to make pen, pocket, and champagne knives and table cutlery at Atlantic Works.  At one point, Frederick traded as G. Deakin & Co with the marks ‘JUDY’, ‘HELP’ (and picture of a crutch), and ‘TOBY’.  Frederick William died on 17 November 1923. The business was wound up in 1962, when Frederick’s son, Harry, retired
Albert Oates Sheffield single blade folding knife that measures 10 cm closed having a 7,7 cm folding strong spear point blade 
Blade marked on the tang *Albert Oates Sheffield* with no *England* suggesting a pre 1891 production
Nickel silver bolsters which show no dings. Steel pins and brass liners,  good looking  jigged bone handles that show no chips or cracks. Carbon steel blade appears full with  staining/pitting, powerful back spring with no wobble in the locked open position

Knife is being sold As-Is condition