Sheffield Steel Id.

knowtracks · Post by **knowtracks** » Tue Feb 06, 2007 5:26 am

This knife was in the bottom of a box of tools bought at an auction. It's stamped Atkinson Bros. Sheffield.
It has bone scales with a copper bail (original?) and a very abused spear blade w/half stops. The bolsters & liners are steel.
But what is interesting is the other "tool" it is 1 3/4" by 5/8" with a grind on 1 side & a thumb stud.
I was hoping that Smiling-Knife or someone from U.K. could provide some information & maybe even a $ guess.
I would appreciate any info.
Thanks,
Dave

knowtracks · Post by **knowtracks** » Tue Feb 06, 2007 5:48 am

The rest of the story!

jonet143 · Post by **jonet143** » Tue Feb 06, 2007 6:08 am

it's a can opener i believe. same kind found on some early military and sailors knives. nice find.

atkinson bros. sheffield - mfr. - c1845 -

smiling-knife · Post by **smiling-knife** » Tue Feb 06, 2007 9:54 am

I agree with johnnie regarding the can opener and military knife ideas. My source says the company was founded by Edward and John Atkinson who were born in 1848 and 1850 respectively. Given that, the start of the company may be a little later, but that's all I have. I think the knife is probaly late 1800s or very early 1900s. Not really valuable but an interesting historical item. I have a somewhat similar made by Wade and Butcher. Another I acquired from CCBill awhile back. The one side of my handle is fine but the other is broken. Oh well.

s-k