The Nautilus knife pattern of which this is an example is unique and rare among makers – I have only seen examples from a few Sheffield companies. Interestingly this pattern appears to be a latter 1800s design which may have been made into the early 1900s according to a background search. I did not find any Nautilus patterns made in the earlier 1800s nor in America or other countries. The handles are carved to resemble the chambered Nautilus shell and I have seen examples made in MOP, Ivory and Tortoise Shell. All I have seen except for this Jordan Nautilus were 2 blade knives in contrast to this 4 blade model.
This particular pattern by AJ Jordan was made in Sheffield and if one has access to online Knife Magazine you can see the knife advertised in the AJ Jordan catalog of 1890 though the knife in the catalog had a handle of MOP. In this 1890 catalog the knife was their 3rd most expensive knife at $60/dozen – only 2 knives were more expensive (a 12 blade/implement pen knife in MOP @ $96/dozen and an exquisite sterling silver lobster knife @ $66).
This Jordan 4 blade model is handled in Tortoise Shell and unfortunately it must have been dropped at one time - a chip is missing at the end pin on both the mark and pile sides of the handle though it was mostly the uncarved end of the handle damaged (ashame but I still find the knife to be a true example of old cutlery art – and so the chip takes little away from the beauty of this knife for me) - BUT the knife is mint and essentially unused in terms of blades – just age spots and some staining which is not unusual, and probably the norm, for a knife of this age. The nickel silver liners are milled or coined and the back spring had elaborate file work. The “Nautilus” etch on the sheep foot master blade was highlighted with gold wash. The joints were flush and each blade had a cutout for opening. This little gem is only 2 & 5/8” closed.
Finally I want to thank my buddy Roland for kindly selling me this knife a few years back – much appreciated!…
I thought I would share something of interest that folks may enjoy seeing at a time in our lives where we can all use a distraction…
That is one of the most unique handles I have ever seen. Great knife. 
