Page:An Historical Essay on the Livery Companies of London.djvu/50



Class 3.—The general excellence of material, temper, and workmanship.

And for artisans and apprentices the standard of merit in the several classes of forgers, grinders, and glaziers, and as to fitters, were fixed as follows:—

The neatness with which each article is made and framed, so as to give the artisan following him as little difficulty in finishing as possible.

The best finished work, having regard to its practical utility.

The fitting of screws, fitting and finishing of handles, and adjustment of work so as to act perfectly.

The Company also decided to exhibit any specimens of ancient cutlery which might be lent for the purpose, so that a comparison might be made with that of modern manufacture.

A large number of circulars, with conditions of competition, were addressed to manufacturers in the three classes of the cutlery trade, inviting their cooperation, and also that of their workmen and apprentices in the proposed competition.

The result was that the following large number agreed to compete in the several classes: —