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Engraved pocket knife Sheffield England expertise requested
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 4:27 pm
by wiredhair
I have a bad new habit - knives - and I fell in love with a few that were in an auction recently. This is dangerous new addiction, and I am certain many here can empathize. Anyway it is a folding hunter by William Rodgers Sheffield England with engraved bolsters, wood handles with inlaid bear shield; it is in mint condition.
I am wondering if some of the pros here know about this one. ?
Basically, age / history and value.
Anyone recognize or know about this one ? Thanks all.
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 4:42 pm
by smiling-knife
to site wiredhair. William Rodgers was a cutler back in the mid 1800s but the name and trademarks "I cut my way" and the mezzaluna-like symbol were acquired by John Clarke & Sons in the 1850s. The firm ceased producing knives in the early 1980s. I don't know who currently owns the rights. IMO... it looks like a customised knife with a modern looking blade. I have not seen anything like it out of one of the Sheffield works but I am not an expert. Just my 2p.
s-k
p.s. please show more photos including close-up of the tang stamps. Thanks
close up
Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 2:13 am
by wiredhair
close up
Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 5:36 pm
by wiredhair
one more other end engraving
Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 4:07 pm
by Ringmaster
Welcome to the forum, Wiredhair ! It's a nice knife, no doubt.
My opinion is worth a lot less than S-K's, but I'm guessing that it's been reworked.
That engraving, while somewhat English, doesn't look like it was done "across the pond". English engravers normally have a much tighter pattern, and use vines and roses more than the scrolled 'C'. The shield looks new, and glued on (at least in the pictures). ? . ?
It's curious, that it's a left-handed knife....
I could be Waaay off-base, naturally.
Smiling JR
Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 3:35 pm
by smiling-knife
Here are the scans of similar knives I mentioned earlier. The first two from the 1960s catalogue and the rest from the 1885 catalogue. The 1885 is a reprint and the scan is poor... sorry about that. The bottom knife in your photo 1 is at least 1891 and possible much later as we read elsewhere. I hope they are of interest.
s-k
Add these two posts to the wrong thread. Hopefully a moderator can move them for me please.
Thank-you.
Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 3:36 pm
by smiling-knife
oops more scans.