File Collection

Blacksmiths outside their forge
A superb photograph of six Blacksmiths and coachbuilders posing for a photograph outside their forge/workshop, each holding the tools of their trade

Skinny-Dippers
A British policewoman chasing after a group of naked street boys by the Serpentine in Hyde Park, London. (Photo by Reg Speller/Getty Images)

Advertisement for James and F. C. Wild. steel manufacturers, Borussia Steel and File Works, 1889
Image from Sheffield and Neighbourhood (page 16) (printed and published by Pawson and Brailsford, Sheffield, 1889) (Sheffield Local Studies Library: 914.274 S)

Blacksmith at work in his forge
An elderly blacksmith hammering a horseshoe on his anvil. The owner of the horse awaiting a new set of shoes looks in at the window, while the blacksmiths cat scratches an ear on the work bench

Dewey Decimal System
Card index showing use of the Dewey Decimal Classification system, the most widely used library classification system, devised by Melvil Dewey in the 1870s

Card index box. Index cards arranged alphabetically in a box

Snake species
Marine file snake, Chersydrus granulatus, pelagic sea snake, Pelamys bicolor, Lake Taal snake, Hydrophis cyanocinctus, wart snake, Acrochordus javanicus, tentacle snake, Erpeton tentaculatus

The Engineer, 1867. The workman is using a file on an engine part held in a vice. Engineers made and maintained the steam engines and machinery used in manufacturing and transport

Advertisement for Taylor Brothers, Manufacturers of Saws, Steel, Files, Machine Knives, etc
Original at Sheffield Local Studies Library: MP 122 M

Figure 25 from The Horten tailless aircraft Item No25 File
Figure 25 from The Horten tailless aircraft, Item No25, File No XXIII-6, Combined Intelligence Objectives Sub-Committee, May 1945. Date: 1945

England Football Team Playing Cards July 1966 Bobby Charlton hold a full house in a game of cards with team mates, l-r Peter Bonetti, Martin Peters, Jack Charlton and Bobby Moore Gambling

Black and white digital illustration surform rasp

Cutting teeth on steel file blanks
5311825 Cutting teeth on steel file blanks; (add.info.: Engraving depicting cutting teeth on steel file blanks, Sheffield. Dated 19th century.); Universal History Archive/UIG

The forging of files
5311826 The forging of files; (add.info.: Engraving depicting the forging of files, Sheffield. Dated 19th century.); Universal History Archive/UIG

19th century machine for making files. From El Museo Popular published Madrid, 1889
693692 19th century machine for making files. From El Museo Popular published Madrid, 1889

The tempering of files
5311827 The tempering of files; (add.info.: Engraving depicting the tempering of files, Sheffield. Dated 19th century.); Universal History Archive/UIG

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An engraving depicting the hardening on tempering files by firing and then immediately plunging into a tank of cold
5310710 An engraving depicting the hardening on tempering files by firing and then immediately plunging into a tank of cold water, 19th century; (add.info.: Date: 1866); Universal History Archive/UIG

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"Unleashing the Power of Steel: The Story Behind the File" In the bustling streets of a bygone era, blacksmiths toiled outside their forge, shaping steel with skill and precision. Their trusty companion? The humble file – an essential tool in their trade. Meanwhile, adventurous souls sought refuge in nature's embrace as skinny-dippers embraced the freedom of cool waters. Little did they know that files played a part in crafting their very own swimming spots – smoothing rough edges for safe enjoyment. Back in 1889, an advertisement proudly proclaimed James and F. C. Wild as prominent steel manufacturers at Borussia Steel and File Works. Their files were known far and wide for their exceptional quality and durability. Inside every blacksmith's workshop, a symphony of sparks danced as skilled hands wielded hammers against glowing metal on anvils. Files were indispensable allies during these moments of creation, ensuring precise finishes on each masterpiece. Long before digital systems ruled our lives, libraries relied on meticulous organization through the Dewey Decimal System. Card index boxes filled with neatly labeled files guided seekers towards knowledge hidden within pages upon shelves. The year was 1867 when The Engineer showcased groundbreaking innovations in engineering marvels. Among them stood files – unsung heroes contributing to progress behind-the-scenes. Traveling back even further to 1858 Adelaide Works witnessed Taylor Brothers' rise as manufacturers of saws, steel tools, machine knives. . and yes, files. These craftsmen understood that no project could be completed without this versatile instrument by their side. While snakes slithered silently through untamed lands, it was mankind who tamed steel into formidable weapons or intricate works of art using trusty files as companions throughout the process. Even England's football team found solace off-pitch with cards held tightly between Bobby Charlton's fingers during July 1966 matches. A full house indeed - just like those well-organized files that held secrets of their strategies and victories.