Historical information

Footprint Tools is a hand tool manufacturer based in Sheffield, England. In 2014 most of their hand tools were still made in Sheffield at the Footprint factory.
Footprint Tools can trace its manufacturing history as far back as the 1760s when Alfrid Ridge & Sons was established as a manufacturer of woodworking tools. Ridge was bought by the current owning family in 1932. The Footprint brand originates from 1875 when Thomas R Ellin, a member of a cutlery manufacturing family, started a tool manufacturing business under the brand "Footprint". This subsequently became known as Thomas R Ellin (Footprint Works). This company was bought by the current owning family in 1948 and began to manufacture a range of tools under the Footprint, Domino, Climax, John Bull, and Clinker brands.
During World War 2 the divisions of the business were engaged in manufacturing hand tools for British and Commonwealth forces. After the war Footprint continued to grow, manufacture, and expand its range of hand tools for the professional tradesman.
In 2008 Footprint moved to a larger factory and invested in new forging equipment, but this process was interrupted by a global recession, and Footprint was unable to generate enough business to cover the cost of the upgrades. In early 2009 the company was forced to liquidate and lay off its staff to pay creditors. The Jewitt family retained the brand and intellectual property, and later that year revived the company under the name Footprint Sheffield and began producing a smaller range of products at first. With the same family of owner-managers, now run by the fourth generation, in 2015 Footprint continues to manufacture most of their products in Sheffield, England, and exports worldwide.

Significance

This item gives us a look into the history of the beginnings of an early company that made tools in Sheffield England and is still producing tools today.

Physical description

Ring Auger, Double Twist with Lead Screw, bit 1" with round shaft

Inscriptions & markings

Imprinted 'footprint' trademark