George Woodhead Bowie - Sheffield
Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2015 11:19 pm
Since I started collecting knives I have had a fascination with Bowie knives based on the history and connection to Sheffield. Honestly I have an affinity for old knives from the 1800s (Sheffield and New England in particular) and I have been lucky enough to find a few nice ones for my collection – I truly am selective on my purchases for many reasons. Often I thought how cool it would be to have a true mid-1800s Bowie for my collection but quite frankly I never thought scoring a Bowie would be within my financial reach. I was also somewhat reluctant as I had heard that fakes and counterfeit Bowies are out there and that is one part of collecting that obviously is a concern to me, but as alluded to in other threads one needs to educate themselves and not just impulse buy to accumulate/collect. Thus even before this opportunity arose I did my homework, reading all I could find about Bowies (and all knives for that matter as many of the experts on this forum highly recommend) and even had the experience at a show earlier this year to see and handle a number of old Bowies (ie, “reading the knives”). Well as luck would have it a great opportunity came along and I was able to do some “trading” (and not for other knives 
) and was able to get myself a George Woodhead Bowie – considered by many to be one of the highly collectible makers of this original knife style. I wanted to share it with you guys who I know appreciate a good knife and a good find as well! For me this was indeed a great addition to my collection, and one in which I am quite excited to say the least!! Chances of another Bowie for me are probably not likely but as I said before “never say never” – I’ll just keep dreaming 
History: George Woodhead (1808-1884) and his partner Joshua Hartley started in 1839 as spring knife manufacturers in Bower Spring. In 1841, the firm of Woodhead and Hartley started producing Bowie knives as well and were located on Lambert Street. In 1849 George Woodhead went out alone and moved to 36 Howard St in Sheffield. He employed 20 men at that time and his factory included an office, warehouse, packing room, 6 workshops, a grinding hull and steam power. The workforce expanded to 40 men by 1871 and became George Woodhead and Sons in 1876. In addition to Bowie knives they produced pen, pocket and table knives. His Bowie knives were considered classic in style – half-horse, half-alligator pommels, coffin-shaped but shortened handles in pearl and ivory, and his blade style was known for simple, clean lines. According to many and to paraphrase – “his knives could be spotted a room away”….
Knife: George Woodhead, 36 Howard St, Sheffield; 9.5" overall with a 5 & 7/16" spear-point blade that has a minimal amount of sharpening; Horn handles with characteristic Woodhead circular pearl inlays as seen on some of his Bowies. Handles are in excellent condition overall with no chips or cracks, and only a small spot of deterioration on backside near the pommel. Woodhead stamp (see photo) is clearly legible though abit worn in a few spots. It has the original sheath that is in fair condition with original mouth and gold embossings as seen on other Woodhead originals. There is no doubt a slight separation from wear at the tip of the sheath. Overall a solid heavy knife and no doubt feels good in the hand…
Photos: - can be enlarged for those interested...
Thanks for looking… If you have any others to add to this please do so and of course any comments etc appreciated… I will archive it as well in an another appropriate thread on AAPK if I find the right one…
Cheers
Lee
) and was able to get myself a George Woodhead Bowie – considered by many to be one of the highly collectible makers of this original knife style. I wanted to share it with you guys who I know appreciate a good knife and a good find as well! For me this was indeed a great addition to my collection, and one in which I am quite excited to say the least!! Chances of another Bowie for me are probably not likely but as I said before “never say never” – I’ll just keep dreaming History: George Woodhead (1808-1884) and his partner Joshua Hartley started in 1839 as spring knife manufacturers in Bower Spring. In 1841, the firm of Woodhead and Hartley started producing Bowie knives as well and were located on Lambert Street. In 1849 George Woodhead went out alone and moved to 36 Howard St in Sheffield. He employed 20 men at that time and his factory included an office, warehouse, packing room, 6 workshops, a grinding hull and steam power. The workforce expanded to 40 men by 1871 and became George Woodhead and Sons in 1876. In addition to Bowie knives they produced pen, pocket and table knives. His Bowie knives were considered classic in style – half-horse, half-alligator pommels, coffin-shaped but shortened handles in pearl and ivory, and his blade style was known for simple, clean lines. According to many and to paraphrase – “his knives could be spotted a room away”….
Knife: George Woodhead, 36 Howard St, Sheffield; 9.5" overall with a 5 & 7/16" spear-point blade that has a minimal amount of sharpening; Horn handles with characteristic Woodhead circular pearl inlays as seen on some of his Bowies. Handles are in excellent condition overall with no chips or cracks, and only a small spot of deterioration on backside near the pommel. Woodhead stamp (see photo) is clearly legible though abit worn in a few spots. It has the original sheath that is in fair condition with original mouth and gold embossings as seen on other Woodhead originals. There is no doubt a slight separation from wear at the tip of the sheath. Overall a solid heavy knife and no doubt feels good in the hand…
Photos: - can be enlarged for those interested...
Thanks for looking… If you have any others to add to this please do so and of course any comments etc appreciated… I will archive it as well in an another appropriate thread on AAPK if I find the right one…
Cheers
Lee
