According to an advertisement in 1951, this scissors manufacturer was established in 1870.   However, the name does not appear in directories in the late nineteenth or early twentieth centuries.  The ‘W’ in the name denotes ‘Willis’ and it appears that the senior partner was Willis Beal (1889-1954).  In the Census (1901), he was enumerated in Longfield Road, as the eleven-year-old son of Harry Beal, a scissors forger, and his wife Mary.   Possibly, Harry was the ‘founder’.  By 1911, Willis was a ‘putter-together’ of scissors.  W. Beal & Son was listed in 1948 at Hillsborough Works, Langsett Road, as a maker of surgical instruments and scissors for surgical work, and all kinds of fine scissors, including stainless.  A beaver appeared as a trade mark in the company’s advertisement.  Agencies were listed in Australia, Canada, and South Africa.  The ‘Son’ was apparently Willis Beal Jun. (1913-1991).   In 1953, the business was bankrupt.  Willis Beal Sen. gave the firm’s address as Burdallis Buildings, Langsett Road; and his residence as 311 School Road.  Willis Jun. continued to trade at Portland Works in Randall Street.