Business History Explorer Supported by the Business Archives Council

Wilkinson Sword Ltd

Other Business Names:

  • British Match Corp Ltd
  • Bryant & May Ltd
  • Allegheny Ludlum
  • Nock, Henry
  • Nock, Jover & Co
  • Wilkinson Sword
  • Wilkinson, James, & Co
  • Wilkinson, James
  • Wilkinson Sword Co Ltd
  • Wilkinson Match

Locations city-town / local authority / county1974 / region-state / country:

  • London, Greater London, Greater London, Greater London, England

Sectors:

  • Fabricated metal products manufacture Cutlery, razors, scissors, etc, production
  • Other goods production Fire fighting & safety equipment production
  • Fabricated metal products manufacture Hand gun & cartridge, etc, production
  • Fabricated metal products manufacture Hand inc edge tool production
  • Fabricated metal products manufacture Sword, pikes, etc, making

Notes:

Established 1772 as gunmakers by Henry Nock, d1804, of London, with production sometime also at Shotley Bridge. Early on known as Nock, Jover & Co. From 1800 also made bayonets and swords, later ceremonial swords, and also other edge products such as razors, including safety razors, from 1890s. Inherited by James Wilkinson in 1804 and became known as James Wilkinson & Co. Incorporated 1887 as The Wilkinson Sword Co Ltd. 1934 began to manufacture fire protection systems and this became a major part of business. Later garden tools. Floated 1964. 1973 merged with British Match Corp Ltd (owners of Bryant & May Ltd) to form Wilkinson Match. 1978 acquired by Allegheny Ludlum of USA and later other owners

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