Edward Sharp & Sons became the largest toffee manufacturer in the world.

Edward Sharp (1854 – 1931) was born in Maidstone, Kent, the son of a paper factory manager. He was educated at the local grammar school. He was a dedicated Congregationalist.

Sharp established a grocery business on Week Street, Maidstone. He began to sell homemade sweets in his shop from 1878, principally toffee and nougat. He employed one man and one boy by 1881.

The confectionery sideline was to prosper, and Sharp had divested his grocery business by 1898 and established a dedicated factory in a former roller skating rink on Sandling Road, Maidstone.

Vintage antique chrome or Nickel plated Steel Toffee company advertising paper knife or letter opener Dates circa 1930's I would guess

Edward Sharp and Sons of Toffee Works, Maidstone, Kent. (1929)

Sir Edward Sharp Baronet headed the firm, Edward Sharp and Sons. He was a sturdy non-conformist, actively associated with the Week St. Congregational Church. He married Lady Clara Betts, circa 1878, in Maidstone, Kent. Died: 23 August 1931, Warden Court, Maidstone.

1911 The Sharps brand was first launched.

1922 British Industries Fair Advert for Sharp's Super-Kreem Toffee from "The Largest Manufacturers of Toffee in the World". Also Royal Nougat. (Stand No B.8)

1929 Listed Exhibitor - British Industries Fair. Manufacturers of Super-Kreem Toffee and Royal Nougat. (Stand Nos. K.22 and K.31)