Marples

Joseph is the founder of the company Marples. During this time there were seven Marples’ companies operating out of Sheffield. All of them were somehow being related but were very confusing. The company was started in the year 1840. It was basically a manufacturing joiners tool, such as brass inlaid rosewood & ebony braces, boxwood spoke shaves, beech planes, gauges and squares.

Robert Marples and his brother William set up a partnership in 1828 to make joiners’ tools, but the partnership did not last long. Robert took his son into the business and they traded as Robert Marples & son and then Marples & co., in the 20th century. Competition was fierce between these two companies. They made similar products and used very similar names for their products.

It was a family business when it was started and even now it remains the same. Modern technology has been used in some instances and many of the traditions of manufacturing fine hand tools has remained the same using selected materials and hand finishing. The same threads which were used 100 years ago are used even now.

The earliest factory was called York Works, and produced principally framed braces, one design and was called the ‘Trial 1 Brace’. It refers to the firm’s corporate mark. In the year 2001 the company was relocated to a new purpose built factory. The ‘Trial 1’ corporate mark was reintroduced on a special, superb quality selection of tools. The company even though manufactures a fairly small range of tools the largest selection of gauges and squares are produced and made available in this company.
The selection of Rosewood tools represents the best quality that is been produced by the company. These are based on the tools which were made 70 years ago. It carried the ‘Trial 1’ brand, or the corporate Mark. The rosewood miniatures are the five original design measuring and marking product made for the miniature or model maker.
The design of crystal palace was based on the design of the orangery which was built in the grounds of Chatsworth house. The people living there are adamant that the designer of the orangery was John Marples. The revolutionary concept of the design was the use of iron to create the structure, rather than wood.
In addition to the three Marples joiner’s tool making companies there has been other business bearing the Marples name. This company was founded by John Marples. He was born in sheffield and founded the joiner’s tool making companies. The business of breweries was finally taken over by John Smith a well known brewer.
The Marples & Beasley Limited was started by Edward Osborn Marples in partnership with Beasley Edward. The company is still doing business although there is no family involvement.

Products of the Company

The Marples Marking and Mortice Gauge is a tool made of mahogany marking and mortice gauge by Wm Marples and Sons. This marking tool has had little use and retains the original Marples box and a good set of sharp points. The Six Marples Woodworking Chisels is a collection of 6 woodworking firmer chisels by Marples all with ash handles and brass ferules. Six Marples Boxwood Woodworking Gouges is a collection of six boxwood handle woodworking gouges by Marples. 
Marples Drawbore Pin is a boxwood drawbore pin with brass ferule and leather washer. This old tool has a few dents to the blade and some light staining. There are also 2 small chips near the top of the handle. Marples Boxwood Paring Chisel with brass ferule, blades marked Marples. The blade has some light staining and the handle of this Marples paring chisel has a few minor dents.
Marples Cranked Paring Gouges in which both cranked gouges have some light black staining minor pitting. Two good useable Marples paring gouges. Sold Marples Strap Hammer is a nice strap hammer with a turned ash handle, heads marked Marples. Marples Herb Chopper has blades and this old tool has sine pitting to the blade, a nice old collectable.
Marples Blue Chip Wood Cutting Chisels are designed for fine woodworker with longer blade and handle for increased leverage. The product is best suited for hand or mallet work. It has high carbon solid-forged steel blade for maximum edge retention and in made in Sheffield, England. It for the professional woodworker made of Polypropylene square section handles, rounded square striking face.
Marples Pro touch chisel with striking Cap is a solid one piece forged blade ensures structural integrity with durable two component handle which has blade hardened and annealed is slow to blunt yet easy to sharpen with large strong tang keeps the handle firmly attached with striking cap prolongs durability and prevents mushrooming of handle.  The product is designed for journeyman and light commercial work, this unique chisel features a highly durable polypropylene handle with non-slip, soft-touch panels to give you a positive and more comfortable grip even after prolonged use.