Sylko - Witness For The Prosecution

In March 1914, the Evening Despatch newspaper reported on a Birmingham court case. It concerned a young Bromsgrove woman, who was accused of shamming blindness. She had been in receipt of 4s and 6d compensation per week since an accident in 1907 at a company called Guest, Keen and Nettlefold - a maker of metal fastenings - which she claimed had resulted in her loss of sight. However, evidence had been mounting that she wasn't blind at all. 

Several witnesses were called in order to put forward their observations on her activities and behaviour. The Birmingham Blind Institution had been surprised at her ability to walk round furniture and learn new skills. Another witness had seen her return to a seat on the bus to collect an umbrella that had been left behind. Then another witness was called - a lady that ran a Bromsgrove draper's shop. The newspaper reported that - 

"On one occasion, the girl asked for some Sylko, used for machining. She brought a piece with her to match. When witness gave her some Sylko, she held the two pieces to the light and said "that will do"."

In May of the same year, the judge unsurprisingly found in favour of the company and compensation was to cease. Trust Sylko to see that justice is done.

Advert from 1898 - pre Sylko branding.






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