This firm was established in 1838 by Benjamin Matthewman, who was born in Hoyland, Yorkshire, in about 1803. He was first listed in Washington Lane as a pen, pocket knife, and surgeon’s instrument maker. Matthewman briefly operated from Fitzwilliam Street, but after 1845 was listed at Milton Works in Milton Street.  He was joined by his sons, Henry, and Benjamin Jun. In 1860, the latter registered a cutlery patent from Headford Street.  In the Census (1861), Benjamin Matthewman Sen. employed 21 men, two boys, three women, and two girls. In 1862, Benjamin Jun. withdrew from the partnership and the business – under Benjamin Sen. and Henry – continued as B. Matthewman & Sons. (Benjamin Jun. became bankrupt in 1863.)

Pawson & Brailsford’s Illustrated Guide (1862) has a full-page advertisement for Matthewman, with an engraving of Milton Works. The directory for 1863 also carried an advertisement for the firm, with its striking trademark: a balloon with flags.  The Matthewmans lived in the Cemetery Road area.   In 1871, Benjamin Matthewman’s workforce had fallen to 12 men and 4 boys and three years later his company was liquidated. In the early 1880s, it appears that his son Benjamin became a manufacturing ironmonger; while Henry may have moved to London to become a cutlery dealer.  Benjamin Matthewman Sen. eventually retired to Fulwood Almshouses and died there on 20 August 1887, aged 84. He was buried in Fulwood.