Identify Saynor Cooke and Ridal pocket knife

[GhillieDhu]

I recently picked up this Saynor Cooke and Ridal pocket knife at a flea market and wondered if anyone had any further information on it please? It also has Kennedy & Co on the reverse.

[Ridgegrass]

Saynor began in 1840 and the Saynor, Cooke & Ridal firm was started in 1868 and may still be in business in Sheffield, England at present. I have their pruning knives. Yours is a florist's "budding knife", used to insert buds under the bark of a stock plant for propagation. (Ref: Levine's "Guide", p.167) I cant tell from your pics but it looks like ivory, as many of them were, or white bone or composite in later models. It's a beauty and very collectible. Good luck with it. I'll dig mine out and post some pics. J.O'.

[GhillieDhu]

Thank you so much for the information! Having looked at it under a magnifying glass it certainly appears to be ivory. Would you have an estimate as to the age?

[Ridgegrass]

Here are two pruners: a very nice, ebony handled "Saynor", and a very old, stag handled, 'S.C. & R." with a butt plate. Both are very sturdy and well made. I'd love to have a matching budding knife to go with them. J.O'.

[Ridgegrass]

Hard to say the age. However, if it is indeed ivory, that, and the style of the bolsters point to an older piece. 80-100 years ??? Really hard to say. I'd like to see some clear close ups of the handle material. Ivory can yellow with age and your knife looks consistently white, which doesn't necessarily rule out ivory. Try to expand it to show any grain, lines, texture, or color mixing. Thanks. J.O'.

[GhillieDhu]

Lovely knives! I'll attempt to take some better quality photos tomorrow and upload them. Thanks again for all the useful information I really appreciate it.