Topic: Old Hall stuff

[chopin-liszt]

 

I know that Old Hall stainless steel has it's collectors, but has anybody else discovered the absolute joy of Firth Staybrite cutlery?

I was lucky enough to be given a complete set, back in 1978, which had been my great-aunt's wedding present, back in the 20s/30s, (roughly) but she had never used.

I have been using it daily ever since, it is as bright and un-scratched as the day I got it.

I only recently discovered that Firth Staybrite is pre-Old Hall Old Hall (if you see what I mean?).

It can still quite easily be found in charity shops.

Definitely a name to look out for, in my not very humble opinion.

[Tigerchips]

I'm a little confused about Firth Staybright and what it means. I have a Keswick (KSIA) bowl with a label reading: MADE BY HAND From Firth "STAYBRITE" Steel.

[chopin-liszt]

 

Bit of history here!

http://www.oldhallclub.co.uk/jjw1.htm

[Anne]

For anyone interested in the Keswick School of Industrial Arts there's an interesting summary of it in html format here or you can download the pdf version from http://www.allerdale.gov.uk/downloads/page16/Download%20KSIA.pdf

Incidentally, although he's not mentioned in the article, the designer Harold Stabler studied & worked at the KSIA in his early years. He is known to potties from his Poole Pottery connection and to glassies for his Orlak, Pyrex and Sherdley designs amongst others.

Source: http://encyclopedia.jrank.org/Cambridge/entries/061/Harold-Stabler.html

[chopin-liszt]

That's an interesting read, Anne, not found that before, thanks!

Now I know why the design of my wonderful cutlery is so plain. It's a very difficult substance to make designs on because it's so hard.
The very basic shape is a delight, it's well balanced and practical. It feels "right" in your hands, it feels "right" when you put it in your mouth.
It's really shiny, so it looks great on the table too.

[Anne]

That's what I liked about the Viners set we bought a couple of years back, Sue - it feels right. We went round holding different sets and didn't like a lot of them - the assistant thought we were barmy, I'm sure! 

[chopin-liszt]

 

I agree with you completely Anne, I love Viners (but they're really Old Hall too, aren't they!) and I would have had Viners, if I hadn't already been given this wonderful Staybrite canteen. It's only just recently I've discovered they're the precursors of Old Hall, which I'm quite chuffed about.
  But the quality of both just shines out!

Anyway, just thought I'd give it a mention to collector-y folk.
I've not seen it as a collectable before, but I reckon it merits it.

As far as knives are concerned, I like the kind with bone or bone-style handles.
Again these are quite easy to find cheaply in charity shops, but are a joy to use.

[josordoni]

I like nice sharp steak knives...when I am rich and famous I will treat myself to a set of Laguiole knives...

http://www.laguiole-french-knives.com/?gclid=CPfn8b6huY4CFQrdlAod83mTzA

[M]

I love Viners (but they're really Old Hall too, aren't they!)

No, Old Hall were Midlands and owned by the Wiggin family, Viners was Sheffield, again a family firm, and it was E Viner who was responsible for bringing in designers such as Benney and later Mike Calvert to design for them.
Or did I mis-read something?
M
  just so I can read the screen.

[chopin-liszt]

There is every possibility I got it totally wrong, Marcus - all I know is that both are quality, and I like them.

But I like my Staybrite better.

[Tigerchips]

Was Old Hall not renamed Onieda later on?

[M]

Bought out by Oneida in 1984 if I remember rightly....
M

[Anne]

There's an interesting bio page on Harold Stabler on the local history site for Levens (where he was born) here: http://www.levenshistory.co.uk/people.htm#stabler