• Welcome to this forum . We are a worldwide group with a common interest in Birmingham and its history. While here, please follow a few simple rules. We ask that you respect other members, thank those who have helped you and please keep your contributions on-topic with the thread.

    We do hope you enjoy your visit. BHF Admin Team

Two teenaged STEEL PEN "GLAZIER"s:- Please can anyone help me identify the trade?

B

Brummie On Exmoor

master brummie
In the 1851 Birmingham Census, my relative Thomas BROOMFIELD was a Master Baker living at 24, Pigott Street, St Thomas. In the household were his 2 teenaged step-daughters, Ann and Betsey. Their trade is described as "STEEL PEN GLAZIER". I am pretty sure of the final word, though I am open to other suggestions!

None of the 'old occupation' sites that I use have produced an interpretation of the term, and Googling it has also not solved the puzzle.

I would be really grateful if anyone more knowledgable than me about Brum's Steel Pen trade can help me solve the mystery.

Many thanks

Jane

Census info: 1851 Birmingham. Enumeration District 17; Series HO107; Piece 2052; Folio 450; Page 5.
 
Janice, that sound like it may be on the right track, I do remember that there were things called oil glazes, for putting a shine on surfaces. Although the manufacturing process for pens would have had several stages, all with their own unique names.
 
Here's something from Project Gutenberg's The Story of the Invention of Steel Pens, by Henry Bore (https://www.gutenberg.org/files/9954/old/ipens10h.htm)
"The article has now the shape and appearance of a finished pen, and yet it possesses none of its characteristics, and, if tried, will be found to have no more action than a lead pencil, as it is deficient in that important part of a writing instrument—the slit. Before being slit the pen is ground between the centre pierce and the point. This process is performed by girls, with the aid of what is called a “bob” or “glazer.” The “bob” is a circular piece of alder wood about ten and a half inches in diameter and half an inch in width. Round this a piece of leather is stretched and dressed with emery. A spindle is driven through the centre, and the two ends placed in sockets. The “bob” is set in motion by means of a leather band, and the girl holding a pen firmly, with a light touch grinds off a portion of the surface."

I would suppose that the girl who uses the "bob" or "glazer" might also be called a "bob" or "glazer" which could be one explanation. There might be another. The computer I am using has filters that block certain sites for various reasons and this next reference is blocked for "social networking". The link on google runs as follows.
"Jeremiah 17:1 - Bible Apps .combibleapps.com/commentaries/jeremiah/17-1.htm
and with the point of a diamond; such as glaziers use in cutting their glass; .... In several parts of India, and all through Ceylon, an iron or steel pen is used ..."

If the break in the middle is not anything severe, this might imply that some glaziers used diamond cutters and others used steel pens to cut the glass. If this was the case here, these people might have been glaziers and not employed in the steel pen trade at all.
 
WAM I think the first part of what you found is spot on (I may be wrong) as when looking for information i came across a number of census entries and facsimiles of such on genealogy sites and in each case those described as being Steel Pen Glaziers were women.
 
To wam, Morturn, pjmburns and BernardR,

I am always amazed, and never EVER disappointed, by the kindness and the persistence of my fellow Brummies when faced with a problem question. I think you have cracked it! I agree with Bernard, that the bob and glazer answer sounds right on the money. So thank you, all of you, for taking the time to find an answer for me.

Very best wishes to all,

Jane
 
It could also refer to the finish put on nibs (a type of laquer) that protected them before use, and had to be burned off before use otherwise the ink refused to stay on.
 
The recent book "People,Pens & Production in Birminghams steel pen industry" says the same as Wam's book from Google, and also added that there was a problem to the operator, in that powder (emery presumably) entered the lungs and eyes of the operator.
 
mikejee said:
The recent book "People,Pens & Production in Birminghams steel pen industry" says the same as Wam's book from Google, and also added that there was a problem to the operator, in that powder (emery presumably) entered the lungs and eyes of the operator.
Click to expand...
The powder may not have been emery. The point was to shave down the steel of the pen so I'd guess the dust would be mostly fine steel powder.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top