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History and Development

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History and Development

 

The origins of Accles and Shelvoke date back to the 1860s, the following historic records tells the story behind the company, its proprietors and the development of the “CASH” and “ACVOKE” specialist cartridge powered tools which today are used in all parts of the World.
 
 
The company was first established under the name of Bennetts successors Ltd, in 1860, and joined by Mr J.G Accles in 1913.
 
Mr J.G Accles

  • Mr J.G Accles was born in Bendigo Australia, in 1850 of Northern Irish parents.
  • In 1867 Mr Accles entered his apprenticeship at the works of the Colt Patent Firearms Manufacturing Co., Hartford,Connecticut, where he received a thorough training in the manufacture of small-arms and small-arms ammunition.
  • In 1872, Mr Accles came to England and established a works at Ward End, Birmingham for the production of caps for the .42 Russian “Berdan” cartridges, which were being made here in large quantities at that time.
  • At the end of 1873 he went to China for the Gatling Gun Company, and whilst there he established factories at Canton and Shanghai for the manufacture of small-arms and ammunition.
  • In 1875 he returned to England for the Gatling Gun Company. From 1876 to 1886, he visited most of the countries of the world with the Gatling Gun, and in those countries where this gun was adopted, he established works for its manufacture and also for the ammunition.
  • In this connection he designed and equipped twelve new works in various countries. In 1887 he built and equipped cartridge works near Foochow and also on the island of Formosa for the Chinese Government.
  • In 1888, Mr Accles formed a company, by the name of Accles Ltd, with works at Holford, Perry Barr, Birmingham. This was later changed to Grenfell and Accles Ltd, and again to Accles Ltd, and out of this enterprise in 1901 arose the firm of Accles and Pollock Ltd, at Oldbury.
 
Accles & Shelvoke Ltd 1913
 
  • Mr Accles severed his active connection with Accles and Pollock Ltd, shortly after its formation, and devoted his time to consulting and experimental work in connection with small-arms and ammunition. For three years he was engaged with Birmingham Small Arms Company ltd, on consulting and experimental work on automatic small-arms, until in 1913 he recommended manufacture at Aston in conjunction with Mr.G.E Shelvoke, as Accles & Shelvoke Ltd.
  • Mr Accles took an active part in that business until ill health compelled him to retire, but he remained as consultant to Accles & Shelvoke until his death in 1939.
 
“CASH”
 
  • The “CASH” pistol was first manufactured by Accles and Shelvoke Ltd, around 1913, but manufacture was interrupted by the First World War.
  • Although thousands of “CASH” Captive Bolt Pistols are now in daily use all over the world, the origin of the name “CASH” was understood only by the few who were pioneers in the system of mechanical stunning.
  • Many years ago there resided in the City of Coventry a gentleman whose name was Christopher Cash, the originator of the well-known name tapes.
  • Mr Cash had a great compassion for dumb animals. Passing out of college with both Academic and Athletic honours, being independent of business or profession, he devoted the remainder of his life to the good of his animal friends.
  • Whilst travelling on the continent in 1910, he saw a somewhat crude slaughtering instrument which was not very efficient or satisfactory in use, but which suggested to him the idea of a Captive Bolt Pistol, or mechanical Pole-Axe as he preferred to call it.
  • Mr Cash having no knowledge of engineering or explosive matters, discussed his idea with Mr J.G Accles, one of the most well-known men in England as an authority on guns and explosive weapons of different kinds.
  • After several years of exhaustive experimenting, a weapon for stunning animals, as perfect as humanley possible, was placed on the market, and out of compliment to the originator of the idea, Accles & Shelvoke Ltd, named their production the “CASH” Captive Bolt Pistol.

    1940’s – 1980’s
 
  • During the years of the Second World War, Accles and Shelvoke carried out considerable work for the aircraft industry, and also a small amount of work for the naval industry, in addition to humane slaughtering equipment.
  • In 1961 Accles & Shelvokes Ltd, was taken over by the Wolseley-Hughes Group.
  • In 1980 saw a management buyout from Wolseley Hughes Group.

 

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ACVOKE Cable Spiker 1952


  • The Acvoke Cable Spiker was developed in 1952 in cooperation with the Central Electricity Generating Board.
  • The Acvoke Cable Spiker is used in many industries throughout the world from the electricity industries to the oil and gas industries, and from private contractors to government and military installations. In some countries such as the UK the use of the Acvoke Cable Spiker is now mandatory.
 
Cox Bolt Driver

  • This product was developed around the time of the Second World War, Accles & Shelvoke involvement came about with the acquisition of the Temple Cox Company in 1987.
 
1987 Acquisition of Temple Cox Ltd
 
1993 Acquisition by ELEY Limited
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  • The acquisition of Accles & Shelvoke by ELEY Limited took place in June 1993 (ELEY Limited, a subsidiary of IMI plc).
 
Accles & Shelvoke Limited has evolved into a world leader in the manufacture of captive bolt humane stunning equipment and cable spikers. With over 80 years of experience, working with veterinarians, meat technologists, large and small meat plants worldwide on the Humane side and electrical companies on the Cable Spikers  Accles & Shelvoke have developed strong brand presence and market dominance.