Antique Knives Made In England

[Reverand]

A beautiful knife!

[Mason]

Here is an exhibition grade George Butler lock back folder with folding guards and uncommon handle style.

[Miller Bro's]

Wonderful old knife!

[edisdead]

Here is an exhibition grade George Butler lock back folder with folding guards and uncommon handle style.

Mason, what a wonderful knife that is. Would love to see the pile side and a shot of it closed if possible. Do I spy the oval ART trademark beneath the folding guard?
The condition appears mint, a beautiful centre piece to any collection!

I have been reading about exhibition knives in Tweedale's on the drip so excuse my ignorance...but can an exhibition knife be sold as a line of exhibition knives or is it a one off representation of the best work possible by the company as a show piece?

[Mason]

Thanks, Miller Bros., and edisdead.

Geoffrey Tweedale has written several great books on Sheffield steel and cutlery, but his latest book titled "Tweedale's Directory of Sheffield Cutlery Manufacturers 1740 - 2013" is a fantastic resource. Another must have book for any enthusiast of English cutlery is "Sheffield Exhibition Knives" by Claussen, Watts, and McMickle. "The Heritage of English Knives" by David Hayden-Wright is another good recommendation.

While the book "Sheffield Exhibition Knives" is among my all time favorite knife books, the title is a bit misleading. The knives shown in that book are among the best examples of mid-19th to early 20th century Sheffield cutlery, but only a few shown are actual "Exhibition" knives. The majority of the knives shown, while every one incredible, were meant for general sale to the public, and are seen in old catalogs. A true exhibition knife would be a one of a kind example. Most, but not all, of those exhibition knives were meant for display, but a wealthy customer could certainly commission a special order model which could be considered an exhibition knife. There are very few actual documented exhibition knives in existence.

The Butler folding guard model that I posted aligns with an exhibition knife, but certainly could have been a standard offering from that company.
I was careful in calling it "exhibition grade" rather than stating it was an exhibition knife.

[edisdead]

Thanks, Miller Bros., and edisdead.

Geoffrey Tweedale has written several great books on Sheffield steel and cutlery, but his latest book titled "Tweedale's Directory of Sheffield Cutlery Manufacturers 1740 - 2013" is a fantastic resource. Another must have book for any enthusiast of English cutlery is "Sheffield Exhibition Knives" by Claussen, Watts, and McMickle. "The Heritage of English Knives" by David Hayden-Wright is another good recommendation.

While the book "Sheffield Exhibition Knives" is among my all time favorite knife books, the title is a bit misleading. The knives shown in that book are among the best examples of mid-19th to early 20th century Sheffield cutlery, but only a few shown are actual "Exhibition" knives. The majority of the knives shown, while every one incredible, were meant for general sale to the public, and are seen in old catalogs. A true exhibition knife would be a one of a kind example. Most, but not all, of those exhibition knives were meant for display, but a wealthy customer could certainly commission a special order model which could be considered an exhibition knife. There are very few actual documented exhibition knives in existence.

The Butler folding guard model that I posted aligns with an exhibition knife, but certainly could have been a standard offering from that company.
I was careful in calling it "exhibition grade" rather than stating it was an exhibition knife.

I like to trawl pictures of Butler's knives and have yet to see such an example. I could imagine it behind glass at some exhibition.
I assume from the condition you came by way of it from another collector? Either way I'm glad to think it's found a good home with you Mason.

[Oniclub]

New member to the forum posted in the questions thread in regards to a new knife I have acquired. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading through the other posts some amazing gems posted in here of old English blades. I have this Jonathan Crookes 9 inch Bowie with bone hand grips and pommel in the coffin style depicting a half horse half alligator in what appears to be nickel plate I’m guessing?. The sheath is nickel plated again on fittings with wooden sheath wrapped in leather. The blade is etched with “America The land of the free and the home of the brave”. I know Jonathan Crookes has been around since 1744 up until 1990. It was acquired by slater in 1950s who ran until 1990. I believe this to be 1950 - 1990 but I’m unsure. The sheath alone is what made me want to purchase this. I know it’s probably not a true antique just from the blade quality and very little signs of ageing but it seems I cannot find any indicators to age for Jonathan Crookes knives as it looks like they didn’t get dated?

[petekuhn]

Thought I should share this knife with you. Edward Barnes & Sons

[Oniclub]

Pete that’s a real beauty, considering they stopped operating by 1888 the etching looks immaculate.

[Mason]

New member to the forum posted in the questions thread in regards to a new knife I have acquired. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading through the other posts some amazing gems posted in here of old English blades. I have this Jonathan Crookes 9 inch Bowie with bone hand grips and pommel in the coffin style depicting a half horse half alligator in what appears to be nickel plate I’m guessing?. The sheath is nickel plated again on fittings with wooden sheath wrapped in leather. The blade is etched with “America The land of the free and the home of the brave”. I know Jonathan Crookes has been around since 1744 up until 1990. It was acquired by slater in 1950s who ran until 1990. I believe this to be 1950 - 1990 but I’m unsure. The sheath alone is what made me want to purchase this. I know it’s probably not a true antique just from the blade quality and very little signs of ageing but it seems I cannot find any indicators to age for Jonathan Crookes knives as it looks like they didn’t get dated?

That is a very nice modern rendition of a classic mid-1800s Bowie knife. The "Heart and Pistol" trademark of Jonathon Crookes is both well known and well respected. As you may know, Jonathon Crookes was acquired by Slater Bros. in the 1950s and your knife was most likely produced during that time period of 1950 to 1990 as you suggested. It's interesting that this modern Crookes Bowie knife takes its styling more from the Woodhead Bowie models produced during the mid-1800s. The distinctive handle shapes of Woodhead Bowies are easy to spot and are quite unique from most other Sheffield Bowie models. Enclosed is a picture from "The Antique Bowie Knife Book" by Adams, Voyles, and Moss showing a classic Woodhead Bowie. Note the same iconic type of rear bolster with half alligator and half horse motif.

What is not mentioned in Tweedale's book is that Jonathon Crookes was one of the relatively few Sheffield cutlers who exported knives to the United States from the mid-1800s onward. While there were hundreds of Sheffield cutlers operating during the 19th and 20th centuries, very few of those companies sold their knives in America. Most of the less common Sheffield knives that are seen currently in the U.S. were brought over by individuals at some point in time.

[Mason]

Thought I should share this knife with you. Edward Barnes & Sons

That is a beautiful Bowie with a fantastic blade etch.
As with old pocket knives, a blade etch adds so much interest and importance to a knife.
Bowie knives have some of the best etches which often reflect the politics or general sentiment of a certain time in America.

[Miller Bro's]

Very attractive etched blade.

[Oniclub]

Thank you for the info Mason, looking at the info online I knew it was odd as those mid 1800s Bowie knives in similar fittings were into the thousands. Picked it up from a collector in the Uk and had to have it Not sure on prices or value but paid a few hundred for it. Cannot find another online for sale. But it’s staying with me anyway. Another odd thing to note the knife is really well balanced and has weight but feels light and fast in movement. So I’m guessing it’s fully functional as well and not just a display piece which was my first thought when I seen it.

[Mason]

Thanks, Miller Bros., and edisdead.

Geoffrey Tweedale has written several great books on Sheffield steel and cutlery, but his latest book titled "Tweedale's Directory of Sheffield Cutlery Manufacturers 1740 - 2013" is a fantastic resource. Another must have book for any enthusiast of English cutlery is "Sheffield Exhibition Knives" by Claussen, Watts, and McMickle. "The Heritage of English Knives" by David Hayden-Wright is another good recommendation.

While the book "Sheffield Exhibition Knives" is among my all time favorite knife books, the title is a bit misleading. The knives shown in that book are among the best examples of mid-19th to early 20th century Sheffield cutlery, but only a few shown are actual "Exhibition" knives. The majority of the knives shown, while every one incredible, were meant for general sale to the public, and are seen in old catalogs. A true exhibition knife would be a one of a kind example. Most, but not all, of those exhibition knives were meant for display, but a wealthy customer could certainly commission a special order model which could be considered an exhibition knife. There are very few actual documented exhibition knives in existence.

The Butler folding guard model that I posted aligns with an exhibition knife, but certainly could have been a standard offering from that company.
I was careful in calling it "exhibition grade" rather than stating it was an exhibition knife.

I like to trawl pictures of Butler's knives and have yet to see such an example. I could imagine it behind glass at some exhibition.
I assume from the condition you came by way of it from another collector? Either way I'm glad to think it's found a good home with you Mason.

Thanks edisdead.
That folding guard Butler model has both the "Key" trademark stamp on the blade as well as the "Art" logo along with Butler's name on the blade tang. The tang stamps are obscured by the folding guards, but can be seen with the blade half open. From knives and catalogs I have seen, it appears that most of the pre-WWII Butler folding knives had both stamps, while post-WWII knives did away with both trademark stamps and only used the company name on the blade tang. Enclosed is a catalog illustration from 1909 showing both trademark stamps along with the Butler name.

[edisdead]

Thanks, Miller Bros., and edisdead.

Geoffrey Tweedale has written several great books on Sheffield steel and cutlery, but his latest book titled "Tweedale's Directory of Sheffield Cutlery Manufacturers 1740 - 2013" is a fantastic resource. Another must have book for any enthusiast of English cutlery is "Sheffield Exhibition Knives" by Claussen, Watts, and McMickle. "The Heritage of English Knives" by David Hayden-Wright is another good recommendation.

While the book "Sheffield Exhibition Knives" is among my all time favorite knife books, the title is a bit misleading. The knives shown in that book are among the best examples of mid-19th to early 20th century Sheffield cutlery, but only a few shown are actual "Exhibition" knives. The majority of the knives shown, while every one incredible, were meant for general sale to the public, and are seen in old catalogs. A true exhibition knife would be a one of a kind example. Most, but not all, of those exhibition knives were meant for display, but a wealthy customer could certainly commission a special order model which could be considered an exhibition knife. There are very few actual documented exhibition knives in existence.

The Butler folding guard model that I posted aligns with an exhibition knife, but certainly could have been a standard offering from that company.
I was careful in calling it "exhibition grade" rather than stating it was an exhibition knife.

I like to trawl pictures of Butler's knives and have yet to see such an example. I could imagine it behind glass at some exhibition.
I assume from the condition you came by way of it from another collector? Either way I'm glad to think it's found a good home with you Mason.

Thanks edisdead.
That folding guard Butler model has both the "Key" trademark stamp on the blade as well as the "Art" logo along with Butler's name on the blade tang. The tang stamps are obscured by the folding guards, but can be seen with the blade half open. From knives and catalogs I have seen, it appears that most of the pre-WWII Butler folding knives had both stamps, while post-WWII knives did away with both trademark stamps and only used the company name on the blade tang. Enclosed is a catalog illustration from 1909 showing both trademark stamps along with the Butler name.

Mason, from my entirely amateur perspective I would have thought your example was late 19th century. I have a similar tang stamped piece I guessed was that date due to the tool set present in it.
Date aside it's a joy to look at and I would love to see more of your Butler Catalogues which would be a boon in dating my small collection.
Here is the knife I mentioned above

Unfortunately it is missing the small pen blade but I have a replacement and am considering replacing it. Tbh I'm unsure if I should. I'd appreciate your opinion.

[Miller Bro's]

Beautiful pearl pen knife.

I would leave the blade as is

[Miller Bro's]

Here's a very nice all metal handle patented knife in the box as found

[edisdead]

Here's a very nice all metal handle patented knife in the box as found

Thanks Miller Bro's, the pearl Butler is a marvel of construction considering the age.
Regarding the blade, yes replacing it is contentious. It's a very small blade and I have a match from a similar Butler and have done similar before, but who am I to change it after all these years is another thought?

Your Ibberson is brilliant. It's a wire snips yes?! Never seen one before. I have seen Wostenholm do a similar but different horticultural equivalent named "The Amgar". Fantastic it's as new!

[Mason]

edisdead, I don't have a catalog reference for my folding guard Butler model, but I believe it dates from the late 1800s to early 1900s.
Your multi-blade pearl folder is wonderful and probably would have been the most expensive folding knife that Butler offered at that time, (late 19th to early 20th centuries). It was generally the case with most German or English cutlery companies that pearl folders with more than six unique blades sold for more that the best and largest folding hunting models of that era.

Miller Bros., That's a great and uncommon Ibberson folder with nippers, as shown with the original box.

Here is another variation of that same model type.

[Miller Bro's]

Your Ibberson is brilliant. It's a wire snips yes?! Never seen one before. I have seen Wostenholm do a similar but different horticultural equivalent named "The Amgar". Fantastic it's as new!

Yes, for cutting wire.

Here's the Amgar knife I have.

[Miller Bro's]

Miller Bros., That's a great and uncommon Ibberson folder with nippers, as shown with the original box.

Here is another variation of that same model type.

Thanks, and that is a variation I don't have

[Mason]

Here is a sturdy and well-made post WWII Butler sheep foot model with a corresponding catalog illustration from circa 1950.
While this model still has fairly nice stag, one post-war cost cutting method was used by deleting the more elaborate trademark blade stamps of the pre-war era.

[cudgee]

Here is a sturdy and well-made post WWII Butler sheep foot model with a corresponding catalog illustration from circa 1950.
While this model still has fairly nice stag, one post-war cost cutting method was used by deleting the more elaborate trademark blade stamps of the pre-war era.

Great example of an English Sheepfoot. Very historical rural/working knives. Thanks for posting.

[btrwtr]

Haven’t checked in on this thread in a while but some outstanding additions posted lately.

[Miller Bro's]

Here is a sturdy and well-made post WWII Butler sheep foot model with a corresponding catalog illustration from circa 1950.
While this model still has fairly nice stag, one post-war cost cutting method was used by deleting the more elaborate trademark blade stamps of the pre-war era.

Nice knife!