"I am searching for information on a 19th century engraver who I believe was from Edinburgh.  His name was John Sellers.

I have acquired an iron/steel plate about 2.5 inches by 5 inches which is richly engraved with a women in a flowing dress standing by a pier or dock.  There are tall ships in the background. 

On the reverse is the name John Sellers and an S with a line or the number one running through the long dimension.

I have been told Mr. Sellers was an engraver in Edinburgh who worked for R & HB Kirkwood Goldsmiths and Silversmiths from 1843-1871.

Any information or sources of information you can supply would be appreciated.

Thank you for your assistance."

Harris Economou, Tinton Falls, New Jersey

Sheffield

"Just another small piece of information to add.  I am also searching for additional information  on John Sellers.  I  believe that the company is from Sheffield, England.

I have an Engraver's Book Plate of:

-  A. Lincoln and

-  T. Roosevelt.

My plates have the same 'S' mark with a line (possibly a sword?) running through it, as described by Harris Economou above.  The wording reads: 'John Sellers and Sons Sheffield England'.

©  Reproduced with acknowledgement to Sheila Gilbert

I also found a reference to a company, John Sellers,  Sheffield and New York.  They were makers of razor blades 1820-1953.   I don't know whether or not there is any connection with John Sellers, engraver."

Sheila Gilbert, Maryland USA  -  June 2005

Copper and Steel Plates

"In response to your query.  John Sellers was a cutlery manufacturer operating from 151 Arundel Street, Sheffield.   He also manufactured steel and copper plates for engravers.  The company had an office in New York in order to supply the American market.

The corporate mark of the firm was granted in 1838 and was a dagger entwined with the initial 'S'.  This may be the answer to your investigation."

Katrina Hulse, Sheffield, S Yorkshire, England:  March 31, 2006

Family

"I am located in Melbourne Australia.

 I believe that my grandfather Harold Victor was one of the sons of John Sellers.  Harold migrated to Tasmania, Australia with his wife Marion Sheppard.

Pocket Knife

"We have in our home a large pocket knife which was made by John Sellers and Sons for a trade fair in Odeon House in Germany.

This pocket  knife is engraved with the Odeon House on the master blade."

1838 Papers

"We also have in our home a chest of draws that my grandfather has when he was a student at Christ College. The draws have been lined with newspaper of the Sheffield Gazette of 1838."

Julian Sellers, Melbourne Australia:  April 27, 2007

Straight Razors

"I read your post about John Sellers, and  believe that the response you received was correct.

John Sellers manufactured several items including different pocket knives and straight razors, all bearing his mark."

Michael Huff:  June 15, 2007

"We too have what appears to be a steel plate with the reverse side saying John Sellers & Sons Sheffield.  That is preceded by an S with a sword going through from top to bottom. 

On the front is an etching, or engraving(?) of Levi Baldwin who owned a store in Fredonia, N.Y. in the mid 1800's.  Levi Baldwin's grand daughter married my wife's uncle.

The etching appears as a negative photograph, as his name runs backward, but with the picture we also have, all is reversed from the etching and can be read properly.

QUESTION:  Do you have any idea of the process used to make the picture?

Glenn Knowles  Aiken, South Carolina, USA:  February 21, 2006

"I have a metal plate that I found in New York.  It is about four inches wide and 18 inches long and it has 5 or 6 circles on one side.

On the top it there is the logo, Winchester, with a picture of a native American. 

On the back, it has "John Sellers & Sons Sheffield England".  The edges are at a 45 degree angle.

What is it?   What was it used for?   I asked a collector of Winchester guns and he couldn't figure' out what it was used for.'

I would be grateful for anybody's input. Glenn Knowles  Aiken, South Carolina,, USA"

Thomas Mandown:  June 24, 2006

Business Cards

"I believe that the plate described was used to print business cards or other advertising for Winchester."

Neely Caldwell, Bluemont, Virginia:  August 2, 2006

©

"I found this tool in an artist's box that was shipped to Milwaukee in the 40's.  Have you any idea as to what it's purpose was?"

Richard Howe:  October 10, 2006