Bunting cast steel knife Sheffield England

[wiseguy]

Hey guys, I’m trying to date this knife, while the maker is fairly well documented, this stamp I’ve not seen before. Usually marked “R. Bunting & sons “ with various script following and have dagger ground blades with a hump style lock back whereas this has a flush lock and spear blade... Maybe it’s an early knife prior to the “sons” participation in cutlery? Take a look.

[Old Folder]

Hey guys, I’m trying to date this knife, while the maker is fairly well documented, this stamp I’ve not seen before. Usually marked “R. Bunting & sons “ with various script following and have dagger ground blades with a hump style lock back whereas this has a flush lock and spear blade... Maybe it’s an early knife prior to the “sons” participation in cutlery? Take a look.

I can't give much help with exact dating of the stamp on your knife wise guy, with the exception of the below cutlery dates from Goins 1986 edition and the bottom picture from Levines third edition. Levine rates R. Bunting as being High Value.
Prior to your post I had never seen a R. Bunting knife. Thanks for posting.
It is a very beautiful old knife.

[knife7knut]

NICE KNIFE! That is probably the earliest automatic I have ever seen. Bunting knives are not common at all;I only have one that is a half congress and is marked R.Bunting & Sons.

[wiseguy]

Thanks for the follow up guys, here's an ad a member shared with me R. Bunting.... not sure if the above posted knife was his or not at this point.