SONGSTER

J. Stead & Co., Ltd., located at Manor Works, Sheffield, England, has a rich history in the production of gramophone needles, particularly the „Songster“ brand. Founded by John Arthur Stead, possibly known as ‚Jack‘, the company was first mentioned in 1913. By 1919, they were advertising their ‚Songster Needles‘ and were known as wire manufacturers, hackle and gill pin manufacturers. Their notable product, „Songster Gramophone Needles,“ was advertised in 1928, indicating their specialization in the production of talking machine needles.

J. Stead & Co. participated in the British Industries Fair in 1929 as exhibitors, showcasing gramophone needles, mainsprings, governor springs, and sound boxes. By 1947, their product range had expanded to include „Songster“ Gramophone Products (Needles and Soundboxes), „Vulcan“ Mainsprings for Clocks and Gramophones, industrial springs, pins, „Stead“ screwdrivers, and high-speed and carbon steel drill bars. They also specialized in meter and clock spindles.

The company underwent several changes over the years. Around 1960, they added the ‚Darwin Tools Division‘ to their name, and in 1961, J Stead and Co became part of the Balfour Darwin Group. They filed patents for improvements in screwdrivers in 1966 and in sliding-blade knife tools in 1967.

The company eventually went into liquidation around 1983/4 and was bought by Richard H. Green, becoming Steadfast Tools​​​​​​.