John William Sutcliffe was born c1865 and, by 1885, was in business as a sheet metal worker, building and repairing equipment in and around Leeds. By 1903, Sutcliffe had his own premises, manufacturing small metal items including oil cans and, in 1920, the first metal toy boat, a line for which he would become famous. Over time, Sutcliffe boats were spirit fired, clockwork and battery powered, and even sailing boats during the 30s. J W Sutcliffe passed away c1954 at which time son Kenneth, with his wife Joan, took over the business, continuing boat production together with additional toys including a crane, dumper truck and miniature tin household items. The business finally closed in 1984.
Sutcliffe Steel Speedboats, Meccano Magazine June 1931 |
Sutcliffe Pressings Limited Nautilus Submarine, Meccano Magazine March 1955 |
Sutcliffe Commodore c1936, clockwork powered, length 16 inches |
Sutcliffe Kestrel c1960s, battery powered, length 12 inches |
Sutcliffe Sprite c1960s, clockwork powered, length 9.5 inches |
Sutcliffe 4 wheeled mobile Junior Crane (missing bucket) c1960s, approx 8 x 6 x 12 inches |
Sutcliffe 4 wheeled mobile Trojan Dumper c1960s, approx 8.5 x 5.5 x 4.5 inches |
Sutcliffe 4 wheeled mobile Trojan Dumper and Crane c1960s |
Sutcliffe Engineer's Midget Oilcan |
Sutcliffe Engineer's Midget Oilcan |
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