This firm was founded by James Barclay (1880-1961), who was born at Selby, Yorkshire, the son of a police sergeant.  The family later moved to Rotherham.  James was apprenticed as an engine fitter, but later described himself as a master silversmith.  In 1904, he began business with £50 capital and launched Hallamshire Silversmiths Co, an electro-plate manufacturer.  In that year, he registered a silver mark ‘HSCo’ from Nimrod Works, Eldon Street.  By the following year, he was based at Argent Works, Norfolk Lane.  Initially, his brother, William Robb Barclay (1875-1938), was associated with these activities.  They operated a short-lived venture, Novo Polish Co.   In 1913, James Barclay traded from Argent Works, Rockingham Street.  In that year, he borrowed £200 to purchase the electro-plate business of  B. Grayson & Son.  Thereafter, James Barclay became even more heavily indebted.   By 1914, when he filed for bankruptcy and sold his stock, his liabilities had topped £6,000.   During the insolvency proceedings, James stated that he had never been partners with his brother, though this may have been to shield the latter from liability.  Certainly, at one stage they were known as the Barclay Brothers (Sheffield Independent, 17 July 1914).  ‘Barclay Brothers’ later appeared on stainless table knives, which may suggest that the name was sold.

James continued to live in Rotherham and became a ‘cutlery traveller’ (Register of England & Wales, 1939).  His brother, William Robb Barclay OBE, became a distinguished electro-metallurgist, who was a director of Henry Wiggin & Co (a nickel alloy manufacturer) and consultant to Mond Nickel Co.