All About Pocket Knives

Can anyone help me ID this? My Dad had it in his collection. All I know is it's a Sheffield. I'm guessing dating back in the 1800's. I have seen some close to this but not exactly. Any help would be greatly appreciated. There are some markings on the blade but can't really make them out. I wanted to try to clean it up, but was advised not to at this point and time.

Thank you for your help and advice!

Barbie,
Welcome to AAPK
That is a Farrier's knife that was used with horses, I actually just gone a similar one myself. Don't clean it up to much it looks pretty good right now but you may need a loop or strong magnifying glass to read the tang mark or maker. Try taking another picture of the makers name and submit it then when it's blown up someone here may be able to identify the maker. Preview the post to see if it's legible before you hit submit so you can see how it looks, hope this helps a little.
Regards,
Bladeguy

Looks almost exactly like one I restored a few years ago.
The one I have is marked Thomas Wilton which was a trade mark name of John Watts.
He did have many trade mark names.
Yours is in much better shape than mine before restoration.
I wound not clean your knife.
You may have something rare.
Farrier knives in original condition go for a premium price.

JW~

http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kni ... lit=+watts

Barbie! Love the knife, very unique and very beautiful. You have found a great place to learn about, discuss, share and display knives. Enjoy

Rocky

You have gotten good advice so far Barbie.
Nothing for me to add, I do not collect Sheffield knives and know very little about them.

I just wanted to say to AAPK!

Thank you for all your comments. I added a couple more pics to the original post.

Looks like a great knife, and since it was your Dad's, its priceless.

Hi. And, welcome to AAPK!!

Nice knife. Cherish it.

Looking at your pic of the tang mark and going to Goins' Encyclopedia of Cutlery Markings, I find GRACE BROS. / SHEFFIELD, but Mr. Goins did not provide any dates or even a "circa", so at the time of publication all he knew was of the existence of the mark.

Possibly Tweedle's book of Sheffield cutlers would reveal something, but I don't have that reference.

Maybe our friend Iron Hoarder in England or Smiling Knife will be along with some info.

Wipe the knife down and oil the joints with Mineral Oil, U.S.P., available at your local pharmacy. Don't do any cleaning otherwise.

Charlie Noyes

The knife just by it's style is late 1800's.

The only research I found about Grace Bros. is a late 1800's Hardware chain in Australia.
Maybe imported from Sheffield for this store?

ken6 wrote:Looks like a great knife, and since it was your Dad's, its priceless.

Absolutely Ken!