Charles Milnes (sometimes spelled Milns) was a razor maker.  Little is known about his early life, though the records of the Company of Cutlers listed one apprenticeship in 1778, which may be relevant (Leader, 1905-06¹): this was Charles Milns (the son of cutler John Milns of Pitsmoor) to William Senior, of Hills (possibly a location on the Grimesthorpe Road).  In 1801, Charles Milns and Richard Flower dissolved their partnership as razor makers.  Thereafter, Charles Milnes (presumably the same man) was listed as a razor maker at Burgess Street.  In 1821, Charles Milnes, razor manufacturer and general dealer in cutlery, was trading at Union Street.  In 1824, however, he filed for bankruptcy.  He auctioned his ‘Large Stock of Fine Finished Razors’, materials, working tools, and warehouse and office fixtures.  The inventory of his goods was unusually detailed and filled almost a column in The Sheffield Independent, 9 December 1824.  Milnes’ subsequent life is untraced.

^1. Leader, R E, History of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire in the County of York (Sheffield, 1905-6)