Adlib Internet Server 5

Title
Craven Brothers Ltd order books
Reference
2022-70
Production date
1929 - 1970

Creator

Craven Brothers Ltd Biography Biography
1853-1967, machine tool maker and crane manufacturer, Salford. Craven Brothers was formed in 1853, at Dawson Croft Mill, Salford by brothers Greenwood and William Craven. Their primary function was to make machinary tools for locomotives but they soon branched out into other machinary areas particularly armaments. In 1900, the company moved to a 25 acre-site in Reddish, near Stockport, called the Vauxhall Works. By the early 20th century they had become best known for their cranes, but also made planing machines, radial drills and slotting machines. During the World Wars, the company came under governmental control and after the depression of the First World War the company managed to stay open because of its good export business particularly with Russia. In 1928, Craven Brothers merged with Sir W. G. Armstrong Whitworth & Co. Ltd, Joshua Buckton & Co. Ltd and Thomas Shanks & Co. Ltd however the factories of these comapnies closed and all moved to the Reddish factory of the Craven brothers. In 1961 the Denton branch works were sold. In 1967 the company was bought by Staveley Industries Ltd and the Reddish factory closed in 1970.

Scope and Content
Collection of order books containing detailed specifications and quotations for machine tools, supplied to customers nationally and internationally, plus two books of drawing office calculations.
Extent
32 volumes
Physical description
The majority of the volumes are in fair condition, with a small number in poor condition. All volumes have been previously stored in damp conditions and there is fragmentation to pages and bindings. Items in poor condition have suffered loss to pages and binding.The collection was treated and stabilised by Harwell, August-November 2021.
Language
English
Archival history
The order books remained in possession of Craven until the company was closed in 1970 and the rights to build Craven Swift lathes were bought by Crawford in Halifax. At this point, some of the Craven Swift archives were moved to Halifax, including the order books. Mr Andrews, at the time employed by Craven Swift, removed the order books from a skip in 2005 and they have remained in his personal workshop since then. The volumes were treated by Harwell Document Restoration Services between August and November 2021. During the treatment process, three volumes were identified as being severely damaged and were disposed of confidentially.
Level of description
TOP
Repository name
Science and Industry Museum
Subject
Machine tools
Conditions governing access
Open access.
Conditions governing Reproduction
Copies may be supplied in accordance with current copyright legislation and Science Museum Group terms and conditions.

Related object

Business archive for Craven Brothers Ltd, machine tool makers.Notes Notes
Series 11 contains Order Books 1911-1931.
Papers of William Owen Notes Notes

Appraisal
Three severely damaged volumes were disposed of confidentially by Harwell Document Restoration Services in November 2021.
System of arrangement
Not a true collection, a single series collection arranged chronologically and by order reference number. There is some evidence on the volumes of a numbering system used by the creator which has also been followed. Destroyed volumes have not been included in the listing.