Founded in 1750, William Yates is one of Sheffield’s oldest companies still in operation. It remained a family-run business for over 250 years, spanning seven generations and ten UK monarchs. Throughout its history, William Yates has been a respected manufacturer, initially producing a wide range of cutlery blanks and later specializing in hallmarked sterling silver cutlery and ancillary pieces.
In the 19th century, William Yates became known for manufacturing silver ferrules for table knives, acquiring premises on Rockingham Street in 1876 and registering a silver mark in 1903. This period marked the company’s growth and solidified its reputation for quality craftsmanship.
In the latter stages of this illustrious period, a strong link with Chimo was established, leading to the friendly acquisition of the company’s assets by Chimo Holdings in 2003. All machinery and the unique collection of dies were transferred to White Rose Works, just 100 yards/metres away.
with 2025, marking the 275th anniversary of the company, exciting new developments are planned for a William Yates signature range. This milestone celebrates not only the company’s rich heritage but also its ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation in silverware manufacturing.
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