"Made in Sheffield" 1830-1930, A golden age ?

[Jack Black]

George Gill & Sons?

Thank you my friend, I must admit it's a few years since I actually considered it. It's the mark itself, the heart and Maltese cross, which doesn't seem to match

 

[JPD1998]

I don't know how old it is, but I picked this up at a flea market a few years ago.
It's not a very big knife, but the precision used in making it is remarkable.

 

[Campbellclanman]

Thank you for this Link Will, absolutely outstanding! That level of collector - Phew! amazing!

 

[Oldy]

Here's something that should be of interest to the serious connoisseur and those simply interested in enlarging their knowledge. The staggering array of this collection; fixed blades, daggers smaller lots of pocket-knives including Sportsman, Coachman,various other patterns, intricate complex multi blades and more ; makes for absorbing viewing. Note that the vast majority of these knives are within the time frame of this thread's rubric Sheffield 1830-1930. Each picture of a lot can be clicked on and enlarged to examine the knives closely for markings.

Englishman David Hayden-Wright 1936-2006 assembled this collection over 40 years and his heirs posthumously published a book by him on English Knives. The collection included catalogues and pattern books from many of the leading Sheffield cutlers and was sold at auction in June 2023 for 387,381 GBP considerably more than expected with 284 lots nearly all of which were sold.

The David Hayden-Wright Collection of Antique Knives

Auction Details View the results of all our latest auctions at Olympia Auctions including lot search

www.olympiaauctions.com

That collection was something else,not bad for 40 years of collecting.they received over a half a million Canadian.

 

[Mike Robuck]

Lots of good knives and info posted the last several days.

 

[Will Power]

LOT 653 from the auction catalogue drew my attention (you can click on each lot for enlargements and details) This comprised a salesman's display board with the Lockwood Bros. knives still in place and pattern No.s and prices inked in by hand. From the late c19th to early c20th, clearly the author Iain Flemming must have seen these as a child....one knife 8438 is stamped GOLD FINGER an all brass affair with EZ -Open cut out . These were a mere 29 shillings- for a dozen? (1.45 GBP in decimal money) whereas a 2 blade Ivory item commanded 59 shillings a dozen (2.95 GBP) Coco wood one of the cheaper options over Ebony, Horn or Stag. The prices could be for single knives? But I think not....

Some of the Lockwood Bros. knives include the famous blade stamp of a Rhea, Ostrich like bird with 'Real Pampa Knife' introduced according to the notes, as a counter blast to then cheaper German knock-offs. The quality of the Stag is worth zooming in on, unbelievable popcorn to say the least! One of them 8121 1/2 has a very impressive small bolster and looks to be a Lamb Foot yet is stamped 'Etrrick' whereas the Ettrick type knives below it are not.

 

[sf fanatic]

LOT 653 from the auction catalogue drew my attention (you can click on each lot for enlargements and details) This comprised a salesman's display board with the Lockwood Bros. knives still in place and pattern No.s and prices inked in by hand. From the late c19th to early c20th, clearly the author Iain Flemming must have seen these as a child....one knife 8438 is stamped GOLD FINGER an all brass affair with EZ -Open cut out . These were a mere 29 shillings- for a dozen? (1.45 GBP in decimal money) whereas a 2 blade Ivory item commanded 59 shillings a dozen (2.95 GBP) Coco wood one of the cheaper options over Ebony, Horn or Stag.

Some of the Lockwood Bros. knives include the famous blade stamp of a Rhea, Ostrich like bird with 'Real Pampa Knife' introduced according to the notes, as a counter blast to then cheaper German knock-offs. The quality of the Stag is worth zooming in on, unbelievable popcorn to say the least! One of them 8121 1/2 has a very impressive small bolster and looks to be a Lamb Foot yet is stamped 'Etrrick' whereas the Ettrick type knives below it are not.

Will, is there a link to the catalog?

 

[Will Power]

Will, is there a link to the catalog?

Yes, in my post 2659 click on the link , scroll through the catalogue (3 pages) lot 653 is I think on the second page, click open the lot so you can look at pictures zoom in etc, also shows he price achieved.

Thanks, Will

 

[herder]

Thanks Rachel Wow, that IS unusual, I love the small Lamby blade Mine is much more pedestrian, but I've never been able to work out the maker. Some pics from about 15 years ago :

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Jack, that is a very interesting and quite old trademark stamp which peaked my interest. The reason you couldn't find any information on it is because that "Heart and Maltese Cross" mark is that of a plater, not a cutler.
It took a bit of digging to find it which is not listed in Tweedale's book since "T. Fox & Co." was not categorized as a cutlery company. Fox had deep roots dating back to 1784 and made it well into the 20th century.
The blade tang on your knife reads "George -------" ? and not T. Fox, but there was a George Kible listed as a primary in the company in 1911 which is about the right timeframe for that knife. Kible doesn't seem to match up quite right, but maybe?
Either way, that model was certainly made by another Sheffield cutlery company which contracted out to Fox to produce this nice example.
Enclosed are some pictures with information along with a catalog illustration from Lockwood which shows a knife pretty close to your model. Also enclosed is a Joseph Rodgers example of mine which is similar as well.

 

[Jack Black]

Jack, that is a very interesting and quite old trademark stamp which peaked my interest. The reason you couldn't find any information on it is because that "Heart and Maltese Cross" mark is that of a plater, not a cutler.
It took a bit of digging to find it which is not listed in Tweedale's book since "T. Fox & Co." was not categorized as a cutlery company. Fox had deep roots dating back to 1784 and made it well into the 20th century.
The blade tang on your knife reads "George -------" ? and not T. Fox, but there was a George Kible listed as a primary in the company in 1911 which is about the right timeframe for that knife. Kible doesn't seem to match up quite right, but maybe?
Either way, that model was certainly made by another Sheffield cutlery company which contracted out to Fox to produce this nice example.
Enclosed are some pictures with information along with a catalog illustration from Lockwood which shows a knife pretty close to your model. Also enclosed is a Joseph Rodgers example of mine which is similar as well.

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Many thanks for your research Neal, that's a fascinating insight. I bought that knife, for a few Pounds, a long time ago, struggled to find out anything about it, or even to read the tang stamp, and basically then forgot about it. That's a wonderful example by Rodgers

 

[herder]

JPD1998, that's a nice post WWII Wostenholm model.
Will Power, David Hayden Wright did have an incredible collection which is now in the hands of many fortunate collectors from around the world.
Jack, glad to add a bit to that fine old knife and thanks for the thumbs up on my example.
Here is an older Joseph Rodgers Sheep Foot model with white bone handles.

 

[Will Power]

JPD1998, that's a nice post WWII Wostenholm model.
Will Power, David Hayden Wright did have an incredible collection which is now in the hands of many fortunate collectors from around the world.
Jack, glad to add a bit to that fine old knife and thanks for the thumbs up on my example.
Here is an older Joseph Rodgers Sheep Foot model with white bone handles.

View attachment 2775135

Hayden-Wright certainly did have a princely collection and I think all the considerable proceeds went to a US University or foundation concerned with antique weaponry?

Anyway, he didn't have the knife you showed which I consider a true gem. A both practical and aesthetic nail nick stuck right at the tip of the spine facilitates opening. Clear tang-stamp, stove-pipe kick and Ivory Bone is always pleasing, the overall proportions are right, plenty of blade to handle ratio, the small but nicely worked bolster. Notice also how impressively straight the knife opens out . And some manner of original sheath in Morocco leather? Superb

Thanks, Will

 

[Campbellclanman]

Herder that White Bone Joseph Rodgers is gorgeous, Fantastic example!

 

[Campbellclanman]

I have just gone through the Auction Catalog that you posted Will. Absolutely breathtaking!
From The Indian made Bowie / Hunting Knives, through to the Stunning variety of the Sheffield examples as well as the American made Bowies, let alone the real deal coming out with the Multi Blades which to me seem another World away.
Not only the Knives but the Catalogs and Pattern Books and the Factory display Boards of Integral Bolster and Liners etc,
Wonderful viewing, Thank you again my friend for posting and sharing.

 

[Mike Robuck]

Great info Will and Herder, and pictures.
Along the same lines as JackBlack’s knife, Buck & Hickman didn’t make its own knives so possibly also made in Sheffield. The company has been around in various iterations since 1839. 3 5/8s closed, eased openings, very sunk joints, milled liners front and back. "Oil the joints" on opposite side of main blade. All blades stamped. There are stars or crowns inserted in the ivory scales. Too bright outside for pictures so these will have to do.

 

[Will Power]

Mike Robuck Exceptional knife you show there, not too many manufacturers or artisans can manage sunk-joints these days and yet I believe it was 'expected' from those type of knives in the era. No pocket ripping please ! Not seen that kind of studded door effect before except on some French knives, remarkable that Ivory, not the most robust of scales could withstand it too A really good example of Golden Age craftsmanship all round.

 

[Mike Robuck]

Thanks Will. Someone knew what they were doing to put those crowns in without cracking the ivory!

 

[Will Power]

Campbellclanman Much appreciated Duncan I think it's a valuable reference work as it shows a wealth of knife types, predominantly English and connected to this time-period. A rare chance to view groups of knives from a lost time, enthusiasts of fixed blades , Bowies etc will not be disappointed either.

 

[Campbellclanman]

I agree Will, with both your comments in the post above and your words on Mikes splendid Knife. Some of the prices on the affordable range for me were what I call a very good buy, seeing the more exquisite item go for their understandably higher prices was fascinating, That Brookes and Crookes premium Bowie Knife that went for $12000.00 - Just to look at that knife is a treat let alone the greater percentage of items in that collection.

Mike, that Knife- you could post everyday and I would never tire from viewing it, it has everything ( apart from a Punch ) that one could build within the knife to make it a real showcase, There must have been the finest drill before those studs entered that lovely Ivory, it would have been a white knuckle experience just watching the Craftsman doing that.
Mike have the Crown Studs managed to stay nice and flush?

To view that knife in person would be such a treat.

 

[Mike Robuck]

Will I have seen some of the knives from that collection, but didn't really know anything about him and the knives.

Thanks Duncan. I don't feel any bumps on either side of the scales. The crown studs don't go alll the way through the ivory. My retired neighbor gave me his spade sharpening file. I'm thinking about doing some filework on this knife with it. Just a couple of broad Xs across the top of the blades...
I hope I can someday hand it to you to CE and CF in person.