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Great Croft Street, Darlaston. Copyright 2010 - Nigel James Wright. 
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Steatham Research - Occupations
Gun Lock Filer A common occupation at Darlaston was a Gun Lock Filer, sometimes shortened to Gun Lock, or GLF. A GLF is defined as a person who files up forged parts of a gunlock. This was often done in small workshops attached to people s homes, and there was no doubt GLF was being performed in Great Croft Street, Darlaston. It is believed that even the top line gun makers used lock makers outside of their own factory to produce their locks, leaving only hardening as required and decoration to complement their skill. Some GLFs marked parts of the lock with their name, and I have had emails from owners of guns that have the Steatham name on the lock. Gunlock makers in the County of Staffordshire, in particular the Wolverhampton, Willenhall, Darlaston and Wednesbury areas, provided a large percentage of the locks required by the Western World. This included the military locks required in Britain by the Ordnance and the gun makers in Belgium, the trade gun locks required for North America and Africa, and the sportsmen's locks required in America. The following Steathams are listed as being Gun lock Filers:- Steatham, Thomas Darlaston GL Maker, 1854-1856. Steatham, Joseph Wednesbury GL Maker, 1854-1880. Steatham, Moses Darlaston GL Maker, 1878-1879. Steatham, Samuel Darlaston GL Maker, 1865. There are still guns in existence which have stamped on the lock STEATHAM, these were obviously made by one of our Steathams. |
Rifle with lock marked STEATHAM. |
I noticed on the internet recently a gun for sale described as a "PLAINS KENTUCKY RIFLE STEATHAM", in the Muzzleloading Pre-1899 Rifles (perc) category.
It was described as a, Excellent condition Plains/Kentucky rifle of .50 cal., with a 7/8" octagonal barrel of 33" long. Metal is a smooth grey, not pitted. Very good rifled bore, and has rear sight, with a blade front sight Lock has stamped: STEATHAM, no other marks or proofs. Excellent tiger maple stock, no repairs, or breaks, with brass trigger guard, and buttplate, and pewter nose cap, and escutcheon plates. Overall a very fine rifle from about 1840 to 1850. |
Rifle with lock marked STEATHAM. |
To see a Gun Lock that has the Steatham name stamped on it, you will need to go the "The North Carolina Museum of History".
They have in their collection a Flintlock rifle, fullstock, with the lockplate marked as "Steatham", dimensions stated as 5ft, by 1 13/16 inches. The Museum has been contacted by Neil Steatham, who is a 4th Great Grandson of Robert Steatham, and they have kindly sent us the photographs. Neil's link to Robert Steatham is through his son Moses Steatham I would to thank Neil Steatham for sending us the photographs. |
Rifle with lock marked STEATHAM. |
The full description is as follows:-
FLINTLOCK RIFLE, FULLSTOCK. LOCKPLATE MARKED "STEATHAM". SOME FINE ENGRAVING ON LOCK PLATE, CRUDER ENGRAVING ON HAMMER. LIGHT COLORED FLINT IN JAWS WITH LEATHER PAD. DOUBLE SET TRIGGERS WITH ADJUSTING SCREW. IRON TRIGGER GUARD. DEEPLY CURVED IRON BUTTPLATE SECURED BY TWO SCREWS, ONE AT COMB, ONE NEAR TOE. BRASS TOEPLATE, LONG, WITH THREE RECTANGULAR CUTS AND SECURED BY FOUR SCREWS. REAR "V" SIGHT AND FRONT BLADE SIGHT DOVETAILED INTO BARREL FLAT. BARREL OCTAGONAL, RIFLED, 117 CM LONG, APPROXIMATELY .36-.40 CALIBER. LONG TWO-SCREW TAPERED TANG AT BREECH PLUG. STOCK OF LIGHT COLORED WOOD WITH NO SIGNIFICANT FIGURE, PERHAPS MAPLE OR BIRCH. WOODEN RAMROD, PERHAPS HICKORY. THREE BRASS RAMROD FERRULES. BRASS ENDCAP. ENGRAVED LINE IN STOCK ENDS IN CURLYCUE PATTERN NEAR REAR SIGHT. DECORATIVE BRASS SIDEPLATE WITH TWO SCREWS ON LEFT SIDE OF STOCK. STAPLE REPAIR TO LEFT SIDE OF STOCK, SOME WOOD DAMAGE NEAR MUZZLE. CARVED DESIGN FOLLOWS THE LINE OF THE BUTTPLATE. TWO SMALL LOOPS ON RAISED AREA AT LEFT SIDE OF BUTTSTOCK TO ACCEPT VENT PICK, PICK NOT PRESENT. CARVED "DIMINISHING V" PATTERN BELOW THE VENT PICK FERRULES. LOCK PLATE MAY HAVE BEEN MADE BY ROBERT STEATHAM OF DARLASTON, COUNTY OF STAFFORD, UK OR ONE OF HIS RELATIVES. HIS WILL IDENTIFIES HIM AS A "GUNLOCK FILER". |
Rifle with lock marked STEATHAM. |
The description above mentions Robert Steatham, and his Will, I presume they got that from this website, as it only place it has ever been published.
It was most certainly made by one of our Steathams, or someone in their employ. If we knew the approximate date for the manufacturer of the rifle it may be possible to have guessed at which Steatham made it. |
Rifle with lock marked STEATHAM. |
Here we have a lock marked STEATHAM
To visit their website, Click here The North Carolina Museum of History To visit their web page that mentions the Flintlock, Click here Steatham Gun Lock. The database is current being re-organised so the old link does not work I will update it at a future date. The database is currently (Feb 2022) being re-organised so the old link does not work I will update it at a future date. |
Rifle with lock marked J. STEATHAM |
Next we have a Gun Lock marked J. STEATHAM
Sold for: $110.00 in June 2022. This is the first Gun Lock where we have seen the first initial as well as STEATHAM. |
Rifle with lock marked J. STEATHAM |
Description as follows - Non FFL, Black powder Percussion Antique. 36" Smooth bore barrel. Operable lock and triggers. Lock is clearly marked. Damage to trigger guard. Approx. 58 Cal. GR/Rack. |
Rifle with lock marked J. STEATHAM 
Flintlock marked STEATHAM. 
Flintlock marked STEATHAM. |
This was made by our Joseph Steatham Wednesbury GL Maker, 1854-1880. The book "The Gun and its Development - W. W. Greener - 1897". [Quote] The great point in all this kind of work (action, lock and furniture filing) is to file flat and square ; proficiency in this art is only acquired after many years' practice, and by those who have been apprenticed to the work while young. It is well known that the Birmingham gun filers are unexcelled by any in their skilful use of the file, and it is certainly extraordinary to see the beautiful shapes and close fitting turned out by them, and it is not too much to say that their work cannot be excelled, if equalled, by any artisan employed in any country at any trade. The above remarks are equally applicable to the gun-lock filers of the Black Country : Darlaston, Wednesbury, and neighbourhood of Wolverhampton, have long been famous for the excellent quality of their locks, and as good locks may still be obtained from there as any the world can produce. [Unquote] It was said the Gun Lock Filers was a well paid occupation, and a GLF could make enough in 3 days to have the rest of the week off. Which I suppose they then spent in the nearest Public House. If this was true, then may be this how Robert Steatham became wealthy, by working hard, and having no days off! It has also been recounted to me that travellers through Darlaston, remarked that workers homes were empty of even basic furniture, but they ate really well; being able to afford meat in the week. In "Warman's Antiques and Their Prices" by Harry L. Rinker, published by Gage Learning Corporation, 1990, 768 pages. On page 179 it says:- ...FELT" (Nicholas Shennenfelt, working in PA between 1823 and 1871), engraved percussion lock stamped "J. STEATHAM", elaborate brass furniture including trigger guard and butt plate, engraved open work patchbox, engraved toe plate and rib along the comb, openwork sideplate and foreend... The J. STEATHAM mentioned can only be Steatham, Joseph I wonder if the book has a photograph of the gun? Here are a few newspaper articles relating to Gun Lock Filers at Darlaston. [BNA] Morning Post - Tuesday 14th February 1837 Bell's Weekly Messenger - Sunday 19th February 1837 MURDER AT DARLASTON Hannah Smith, of Darlaston, was apprehended by the constable of that place on Saturday last, charged with killing her own son, a boy about six years old, by putting him into a draw well. The particulars will be best learned from the evidence adduced at the inquest, held at Darlaston on Tuesday. George Wiikes I am a gun-lock filer, living in this place and the prisoner, Hannah Smith, is the widow of Thomas Smith, who was accidentally drowned about fifteen months ago, and she has lived in this place ever since her husband's death, until within the last three months, during which latter period she has been living among her husband's friends in Shropshire, from whence she returned sometime in the beginning of last week. She came to my house on Wednesday last the 1st of February, and resided at my house with her boy, the deceased, Samuel Smith, until Saturday last. The deceased had resided in my family for about two months! The prisoner is about 38 years of age, and the sister of my wife. A little before nine o'clock on Saturday morning last, the 4th instant, I was standing at a table in my kitchen, packing locks in a basket, and the deceased was running about the kitchen, sometimes to and from the table, and his mother, the prisoner, was sitting upon a bench by the fire side, behind where I was standing. My back was towards her, but I saw her sitting there, and part of the time she was assisting my daughter to get the ashes from under the grate. I did not see her go out of the house, my attention being taken up with what I was doing ; but all of a sudden I heard the deceased cry out from the yard opposite the house, upon which I instantly ran out of the house and saw the prisoner with the deceased in both her hands, one underneath his head or neck, and the other under his breech or thighs. She was in the act of putting him into a draw well which was about five yards from the house door, and the child was crying. I saw her drop him into the draw well, which is about five yards deep with water at the bottom, and about twelve or thirteen yards to the surface of the water. The moment I saw this I either struck or pushed the prisoner back from the well; and if I had been but one step nearer I should have been enabled to rescue the child. I lost no time in procuring a rope and a man to go down the draw-well. James Village was the first person who descended the well in ray presence, but he was drawn up again without bringing the child with him; and being satisfied that the life of the deceased could not be saved, and my wife having fainted away from the awfulness of the occurrence, I went to her assistance and it was half an hour before she recovered herself; but at intervals, during that period, I went to and from the well to look after the child. I was not present at the time his body was brought out of the well, but I saw it immediately afterwards, and it was quite dead to all appearance. I sent for Mr. Hooker, the surgeon, who came immediately, and I assisted him to put the body into a hot bath, and also to rub it with salt, to try to restore animation; and every means which Mr. Hooker could devise was resorted to with that view but without effect, life being completely extinct. 1 think that since the death of the prisoner's husband she has not been so right in her mind as she should be. Before his death there was not a cleaner or more tidy woman in the parish ; but since that time she had been quite otherwise, neglecting herself and her children, and everything else; and has frequently lain ill bed for days together, and gone for a week without cleaning herself, and would have continued in that state longer if not compelled to get up and clean herself. l am unable to account for the motive which induced her to commit the act. Edwin Carter, John Taylor, and Thomas Partridge, the constable, were also examined. From the evidence of Partridge, as well as Wilkes, who was re-examined, it appeared the poor woman had been in a desponding state ever since her husband's death, and had once attempted to make away with herself. Besides the deceased, the prisoner has six children now living. The jury returned a verdict of " Wilful Murder." Staffordshire Advertiser." Morning Advertiser - Thursday 27th January 1842 Communication from gun-manufacturer stated that previous to 1834 considerable quantities of materials, gun-barrels, locks, bayonets, &c , were sent to Liege, and other places in Belgium and Germany, but that now they make these articles themselves, and can undersell us, in the American market. The men in this country who now file the common pocket pistols must work very hard, from 12 to hours per day, to earn 8s. to 12s per week. Devizes and Wiltshire Gazette - Thursday 4th September 1845 The gun-lock-filers of Darlaston have agreed that general meeting of the whole trade be called for Wednesday [the 27th] to adopt measures to insure the prosperity of the trade, and also to put an end to the truck system. Wolverhampton Chronicle and Staffordshire Advertiser - Wednesday 15 October 1845 On Tuesday evening the gun lock filers held meeting at the Red Lion, Darlaston, when from 150 to 200 of the men attended. A resolution was passed with a view to put down the truck system, every workman being prohibited from making locks for any master who gives him "tommy in exchange. The society was stated to be in a very prosperous state, and its funds to amount to more than 2001, all of which is to be devoted to the benefit of the trade. Wolverhampton Chronicle and Staffordshire Advertiser - Wednesday 1st November 1848 DARLASTON Neglect of Work. At the Wednesbury Public Office, on Tuesday, before the Rev. Isaac Clarkson and Philip Williams, Esq. a boy named Philip Bowen was charged with neglect of work, at the instance of Jonathan Lowe, butty miner, of Darlaston. He had engaged him to come to work at the pit, but instead of doing so he went into other employment, and on being spoken to by Mr. Lowe on the subject, he behaved himself in very insolent and saucy manner. His defence was that the complainant could not give him full work, but it appeared that this was not true, as he might have worked ten days per week if he had felt inclined. He was ordered to pay 1s. the amount of damage sustained, with costs, or to go to the treadmill at Stafford for a fortnight. Runaway Apprentice. Note the Rev. Isaac Clarkson was a witness of Joseph Hugill's will. [In the bad early days the "butty" or "gaffer", was a middleman who contracted with the mining company to deliver an agreed tonnage of coal to the pithead, hiring and paying his own labour. There was widespread opposition to the "butty-system" in the second half of the nineteenth century, the miners demanding direct employment on piece-work by the colliery companies, and by 1912 most were restricted to the employment on a time wage of one man and a boy. A simple working arrangement, virtually exclusive to the Midlands, continued to operate there, though on a diminishing scale, until the early 1930's. A small "working master", he would spend some time hewing the coal himself to set the pace and expect his men to keep up to it. Any tonnage cut in excess of the minimum agreed was his profit. He was an envied, but never a popular figure.] Wolverhampton Chronicle and Staffordshire Advertiser - Wednesday 19th June 1850 DARLASTON. Gun Lock Filers their Apprentices. On Tuesday, before the Magistrates at Wednesbury, a young man named Edwin Carter, summoned his master, Richard Caulett, gun lock filer, of Darlaston, to show cause why he refused to pay him several weeks wages, amounting to nearly 3. He was an indentured apprentice, and his wages during this, the fourth year of his apprenticeship, were filed at 13s. week; but there was a stipulation in the agreement that be should not be paid for any time he might lose either by sickness or through his neglect. The ground on which the master kept back the money in question was that on some occasions he had refused to work, whilst on others he had never made his appearance at the shop; this happening at a time when government orders were stopped, and when they were therefore obliged to work at common locks, which is not so profitable employment. The truth of this defence was denied by the complainant, but Mr. Duignan, of Walsall, who appeared for Caulett, endeavoured to establish it by two or three witnesses. The Bench ordered payment of 1 19s. 6d., with 12s. costs. London Evening Standard - Saturday 13th July 1850 At Darlaston 600 gun-lock filers have struck, and that just at the time when a government contract tor 50,000 locks has been taken. It is said that the contractors wish to reduce wages in order to supply the locks to government at a low price. Wolverhampton Chronicle and Staffordshire Advertiser - Wednesday 6th June 1860 DARLASTON. Stealing Gun-locks. Frederick Binn, journeyman gun-lock filer, of Darlaston, was brought before the Wednesbury Petty Sessions, yesterday, charged with robbing John Pannlee, his former employer, of seven gun-locks. The property was found in the prisoner's possession; and, when Police-constable was arresting him, he severely assaulted the constable, and effected his escape. For this assault had been sent to prison for a month, and had been brought from prison answer the present charge. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to two months imprisonment, to commence the expiration of the month that be was now serving. Morning Advertiser - Tuesday 9th December 1862 The orders on hand, however, for rim locks for export purposes continue brisk. and Darlaston, the activity which a month ago prevailed here in the gun trade continues among the gunlock-filers, who seem still to possess ready and safe market for their goods in America. The padlock branch, for which Darlaston is remarkable, has experienced considerable depression of late,... The Scotsman - Wednesday 18th October 1882 TRADE AFFAIRS GUN LOCK FILERS. A strike of gun lock filers at Darlaston , which commenced on Monday , has now been brought to a close, the employers having conceded the advance demanded viz. 1/2 d. per lock. Work will therefore be resumed in all shops, to-day at the rate of 9d. per lock. Wolverhampton Chronicle and Staffordshire Advertiser - Wednesday 3th November 1830 There is has a very large, detailed, and interesting article explaining the complex arrangement of the "Trucking system". |
Prince of Wales Public House, Darlaston. Copyright 2010 - Nigel James Wright. 
Alice Steatham's marriage. |
Licensed Victualler Robert Steatham's youngest surviving son Samuel Steatham (1815-1884) was the publican of the Prince of Wales, in Walsall Road, formally Bullcroft Street. It was said that Samuel Steatham also sold groceries and was a Gun Lock Manufacturer and that he brewed his own very good beer. Samuel Steatham also appears in trade directories as an agent for the Bilston Mill Company. Samuel appears in the "Probate Death Index". STEATHAM Samuel - The will of Samuel Steatham late of King's Hill in the Parish of Wednesbury in the County of Stafford Gunlock Manufacturer Grocer and Retail Brewer who died 5 May 1884 at King's Hill was proved at Lichfield by Joseph Steatham of King's Hill Fitter the Son the surviving Executor. Personal Estate 519 4s 8d. Note - the word effects is equivalent to property, or worldly substance". 519 4s. 8d. in 1927, in todays money would be the equal to 71,709.79 - Calculated using this Link. When he died he it went to his son Joseph Steatham (1844-1901). The Public House still stands (just), but as of 2022 is now closed, and boarded up - I assume ready for demolition. The surrounding houses, where many Steathams lived, have long since been demolished, and new houses built. We now Steathams appearing in trade directories. Birmingham, Staffordshire & Worcestershire, Kelly's Directory, 1850. Darlaston. Steatham, Samuel beer retailer, Pinfold street. Steatham S. Pinfold st, Darlaston, Bilston. Steatham, Thomas, gun lock filer, Great Croft street. Birmingham, Worcester & The Potteries, Slater's Directory, 1851. RETAILERS OF BEER - Steatham Samuel, Pinfold st. SHOPKEEPERS & DEALERS IN GROCERIES & SUNDERIES - Steatham Samuel, Pinfold st. AGENTS - Steatham Samuel (for the Bilston Mill Company), Pinfold st. GUN LOCK &c. MANUFACTRS. - Steatham Joseph, King's Hill Fields. Steatham Samuel, Pinfold st. South Staffordshire & East Worcestershire, Jones's Mercantile Directory, 1865. Steatham Joseph, manfctr of gunlocks, bands and implements, King's Hill. Steatham Moses, Gunlock filer, Butcroft. Steatham Samuel, grocer and beer retailer, Butcroft. Milliners and Dressmakers. Steatham Alice, Butcroft. Steatham Alice, milliner and dressmkr, Butcroft. THE IRON DISTRICT. Steatham Samuel, Butcroft, Darlaston. Steatham Sam., Butcroft, Wednesbury. Notice the entry for a Alice Steatham, milliner and dressmaker, Butcroft. Alice is a daughter of Moses Steatham, one of Robert Steatham's sons. Alice Steatham born on Friday the 2nd February 1844, baptised on Thursday the 25th April 1844 at Methodist Pinfold Street Church. At the time of her directory listing Alice would have been just aged twenty and in Census records she was down as a dressmaker. Note that a millener is a person who sells hats. Alice married Mark Nash on Sunday 26th April 1869 (four years after her listing) at St Barts Wednesbury by banns, she died aged eighty six in 1930. They had five children, Elizabeth Ann (1870), Joseph (1875), Alice (1877), Arthur (1879) and Mark (1879). Arthur and Mark were twins. Arthur and Mark do not appear in the 1881 Census so they may have both died in infancy. Her husband Mark died in 1927. Interesting to note on the marriage certificate the female witness (normally the head bridesmaid) is down as Elizabeth Moses How interesting is that!. Derbyshire & Leicestershire, Harrod's Directory, 1870. Steatham Joseph, nut, bolt, and screw manufacturer, King's hill. Steatham Samuel, shopkeeper and beer retailer, King's hill. The entry above Joseph is for a Mrs Elizabeth Stanett, music warehouse and photographic studio, Market Place. What images this conjurers up! Staffordshire, Kelly's Directory, 1904. Steatham Samuel, beer retailer, 74 Walsall road, King's Hill. Steatham Samuel, 74 Walsall road, King's Hill, Wednesbury. Warwickshire, Coventry & District, Spennell's Annual Directory, 1912. Steatham Wm. Jas. moulder, 42 Station st e. The address should be read as Station Street East, Coventry. The above is William James Steatham who was born on Tuesday the 12th August 1873 in Walsall, baptised on Wednesday the 17th September 1873 at the Methodist Church Darlaston Green. He married in the fall of 1900 Annie Illsley. They had one child Albert George Steatham (1901-1981). William James died on Saturday the 14th February 1920, and was buried on Wednesday the 18th February at Foleshill, Coventry. His wife Annie died on Saturday the 20th December 1941. Wiliam James Steatham's lineage is, Robert Steatham > Moses Steatham > (Albert Steatham (1845-1933) > William James Steatham. So William James Steatham is a Great Grandson of Robert Steatham. Now for something really interesting. Warwickshire, Coventry, Bennett's Business Directory, 1914. Steatham & Brothwell, 133 High st Bournbrook [Birmingham]. It's definetly one of our Steathams but which one? Steatham.com All Rights Reserved. |
