Marine Store Dealer

[adnams74]

According to the 1881 and 1891 census my ancestors were Marine Store Dealers in Tipton, Staffordshire.

Anyone have any idea of what this might be?

Thanks

[CaroleW]

A licensed broker, who buys and sells used cordage, bunting, rags,  timber, metal and other general waste materials.  Usually sorts waste when purchased, by type, grade etc.  Repairs and mends sacks.  Scottish equivalent is a Ship Candler

[adnams74]

Thanks Carole that is most interesting.

Would these people be not very well off.

My great-great-grandfather and grandmother were these in the Tipton area.

[CaroleW]

Would these people be not very well off.

Difficult to say.  Would all depend on the demand for those type of goods at any given time

If the occupation was the same between the 1881/1891 census - 10yrs- you would have to assume it made them enough to live on

[adnams74]

If the occupation was the same between the 1881/1891 census - 10yrs- you would have to assume it made them enough to live on

I guess it might be. The husband was also put in Winson Green Prison for some reason during that period so the wife would have had to provide for the whole family.

Thanks again for your info.

[adnams74]

Would anyone know what a Boiler Maker is? I have several ancestors with this job description. Might this be to do with brewing?

[CaroleW]

A boilermaker is a person who worked with metal in any industrial setting