John Ernest Bird (1876-1956) was born in Sheffield, the son of John James Bird (1847-1899), a saw grinder, and his wife, Priscilla née Parkin.  By 1911, John was listed in directories as a silversmith, residing at 11 Glenalmond Road, Banner Cross.  During the First World War, he began business as a manufacturing silversmith at 191 Norfolk Street.  His first wife, Edith Blanche née Hill, died in 1921 and was buried at Ecclesall.  During the early 1920s, he relocated to 113 Arundel Street. 

J. E. Bird Ltd, a manufacturer and dealer in cutlery, was incorporated in 1949 (capital £5,000), with John Ernest Bird and F. W. Hellewell as directors.  The mark ‘J. E. B.’ was registered in 1950 for use on silverware, electro-plate, and holloware and flatware.  John Ernest Bird, of Bents Road, died at Broomgrove Road on 3 April 1956.  He left £9,539 and a widow, Madeline Mary Victoria née Auty (whom he had married in 1935).  The business was listed in 1957, but apparently ceased trading soon after the founder’s death.