British Patent
GB 515/1730 John Kay
A grant unto John Kay, of Bury, in the county of Lancaster, reed maker, his execr., adm. and assignes , of the sole use and benefit of his new invention of an engine for making, twisting and cording mohair and worsted and twining and dressing of thread fit for the use of button makers, taylors and others working with the same, whereby greater quantities can be made with much less trouble and greater expedition and the mohair and thread made much better, more merchantable and fit for use than by any other method heretofore used, to the great benefit of the public ; to hold the same within England, Wales and town of Berwick-upon-Tweed for and during the term of 14 years according to the statute in such case made and provided.
May 8, 1730