In 1828 – in what was probably the first advertisement for a cutlery materials maker – Henry Duke appeared as a brass and iron scale maker, who also supplied springs, lancet blades, shields and shielding tools ‘on the shortest notice’.  He worked at the top of Church Street and lived in Portobello.  In 1833, his was listed in Chapel Yard, Bow Street, and he was also victualler at the Yorkshire Stingo in Division Street.  In 1837, he was a manufacturer in Rockingham Lane, with a residence in Devonshire Street.   He advertised again in 1839.  He announced that Duke’s Works was adding steam power and offered such power ‘To Let’, with several rooms ‘free from dust which has such a detrimental effect on various manufactures’ (Sheffield Independent, 21 December 1839).  

In the Census (1841), he was enumerated as a 50-year-old cutler, living with his family, in Gell Street.  Unfortunately, he became insolvent in 1842.  He vacated the Yorkshire Stingo and his name disappeared from directories (Sheffield Independent, 26 February 1842).  His death has not been traced, though his wife, Sarah, died on 21 June 1864, aged 81, and was buried in the General Cemetery in an unconsecrated grave.   Henry Duke, aged 78, who was buried in Portobello on 21 June 1835, may have been related.  The latter was probably the dealer in iron, brass, and locks, who was listed in 1822 and 1833.