1950s Viners Carleys Bridge, Enniscorthy Punch Set

Purchased years and years ago from Herbert Housley & Sons who just happened to be based directly opposite an EX-House (property) of ours in Enniscorthy Wexford. Herbert himself came directly to the door with this, and we (the family) are mentioned in a book of his “Back to the Grindstone: Personal Recollections of the Sheffield Cutlery Industry” , this set originates from Viners Cutlery Factory Carley’s Bridge, Enniscorthy, we lived opposite in a large property (Island House) for decades! H. HOUSLEY & SONS LTD originated in the little-mester operation of knife-grinder Herbert Housley (1899-1977). The latter’s father was a file cutter, but the Housley’s had been knife grinders for several generations. Herbert (who married Annie née Dunn) rented a ‘wheel’ at the Randall Street factory of R. F. Mosley. They had three sons, of whom two – Herbert ‘Bert’ (b. 1925) and Barry (b. 1931) – were to join their father’s business. Herbert Sen. had a team of eight or nine workers (five of whom were skilled grinders) based in Randall Street. Bert joined the family firm as a 14 year-old apprentice in 1939. In the late 1950s, Bert had also developed links with the Irish Cutlery Co Ltd in Enniscorthy, County Wexford. In 1968, he acquired a controlling interest in this firm, which manufactured stainless steel spoons and forks. However, the abolition of Ireland’s protective duties, when that country joined the EEC, hit trade and in 1975 Housley sold the business to Viners. NOW PROUDLY AVAILABLE - Viners of Sheffield silver plated punch set comprising large punch bowl decorated with relief scroll foliage together with a set of seven cups, originally came with six but Herbert threw an extra one in one the doorstep as a good will gesture, as said we (the family) are mentioned in a book of his “Back to the Grindstone) The bowl is LARGE at approx. 15” across *38 cm diameter. NATIONWIDE DELIVERY AVAILABLE. Kind Regards