The marks on this stainless table knife are somewhat puzzling.  ‘Renown’ was originally the trademark of William Hawcroft & Sons, a razor maker.  This firm was defunct by 1900.  The trademark was acquired by Needham, Veall & Tyzack (NV&T).  In the Company of Cutlers’ Register of Trademarks (published in 1919, and 1952), that company was listed as the owner of ‘Renown’.  However, it is perplexing that NV&T’s name does not appear on this blade.   One explanation may be that the knife was made for export (NV&T registered ‘Renown’ in Canada, for example).  ‘EYE WITNESS’ was always the preferred brand in the UK.  

‘MELCO’ is another puzzle.  A Sheffield firm, Thomas Meldrum Ltd, used that mark: but the company made engineers’ tools and motoring accessories.  Perhaps the mark related to an overseas customer or was the name given to a range of ‘Renown’ cutlery.  

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