Charles Horner (jeweller)

The Charles Horner factory produced a range of products during the 20th century, together with other items like silverware, tableware and clocks.

[4] This was for a minor improvement, the provision of thicker material at the top of the thimble, the area of most wear.

The same partners were also granted another patent, for a similar idea of layered metal protection formed by the presswork with which they were already familiar.

[5] Such an invention was of obvious relevance in the Pennines of Northern England, where textile spinning and weaving was such an important trade.

The softer boxwood would wear in time so that the brass became a protruding lip which then caught on the yarn.

A complete sheathing would have no lip, but required the Horner's skill to devise a means of manufacturing the deep metal cone.