J. Clarke & Son gold wash penknife 1870 ish?

[GerryD]

This a small knife I bought recently at an antique junk centre here in the UK. As you can see its got two blades, a button hook and scissors and is just under 3" closed. Its got Ivory scales with one side damaged shame but there you are.The blades and hook are marked with the makers name J Clarke & Son, NEVA and Sheffield. I've read that the maker had an association with the USA so Im presuming this is earlier than 1890. The spring is nicely finished off with what looks like gold inlay.

[bestgear]

Sweet little knife Gerry, that crack doesn't bother me in the least, I love those little pen knives with button hooks.

[LongBlade]

Awesome looking old knife Gerry ... love that back spring file work and inlay too... given all else is good accepting an old knife with some handle damage (in this case just a crack and not a chip missing) is hard to refuse

[GerryD]

Considering it came with a leather sleeve case (not period but very good) and it was only four UK pounds it was a bargain. I don't mind knives showing there age and history it just adds to the whole thing to me.

[bestgear]

I'd say you did very well Gerry, that only $0.035 for each of the 147 years that this knife has been in existence, a real bargain on any side of the pond!

[LongBlade]

Considering it came with a leather sleeve case (not period but very good) and it was only four UK pounds it was a bargain. I don't mind knives showing there age and history it just adds to the whole thing to me.

I'd say that was indeed a bargain ... and I am in total agreement about old knives showing age and history etc - I like it as well!! - it is disheartening to me when I see folks clean and dare I say buff an old knife to make it look new - to me that is destroying a piece of history and knife value in my opinion, and think you probably agree Gerry given your comment on appreciating knives showing age and history

[kootenay joe]

Nice knife ! Vintage Pen knives are my favorite knife to collect. As is so often the case it looks like the scissor spring is missing. I have thought of trying to insert a small SAK spring which can be purchased for $1 or so, but have yet to try it. If the next owner did not like a new spring in an old knife it would be simple to remove (if one even fits).
kj

[dcgm4]

Awesome knife! Even with the damage it's a beauty!

[GerryD]

I posted this on a face book page where someone reckons this could be as late as 1920. I'm not so sure it may not be as early as i have indicated but i think its 19th century. Its hard to date knives, i collect watches as well and generally they are easier to date but they can be difficult as well. i'm not too bothered it is what it is a nice Sheffield pen knife.

Gerry

[kootenay joe]

Gerry i am very far from being an expert but i do have a fair number of vintage Sheffield knives many with ivory handles. I agree they are hard to date. If "England" is not marked anywhere on the knife it most likely is 1890 or earlier. Knowing how much earlier or how much later than 1890 is the difficulty.
Even without looking at the markings your knife looks earlier than 1920 to me. I would guess somewhat before 1890 for it's origin. If it has "England" on it i am wrong !
kj

[GerryD]

I think you are right K-Joe

Gerry