I am hoping that it is ok to put up this Timber Scribe (or Rase knife), being in the Pocket Knife carry shape, and we often see and discuss these at different times.
BIGGS STRATFORD on the Scribers shank.
Really happy with this, it is extremely nice condition, it had a fine red dusting of the slightest surface rust - not yet having a chance to settle in which came off with 0000 Steel Wool and Mineral oil, it needed the easiest of wipes to tell the active rust dust to take a hike
The walk and talk on this is like the day it was made, absolutely true and precise, with no "blade" play.
Stag (imo) is stunning, I took a couple of shots so you could see just how thin it gets - especially near the scribers recess.
I have looked up in Goins and Levine's and have not seen a mention there of this company, be it a merchant or a Cutler, I have found other Cutlery item stamped BIGGS STRATFORD, a Cut Throat Razor etc, a Bread Knife that has established what looks to be 1810 on the blade. but I have yet to have a proper thorough look yet.
At a guess I'm thinking this hails from the 1860, 1870 mark, integral bolsters help me get there with that thought. I love the all steel construction of these oldies - down to where the steel pins stain horn or wood etc- it just adds to the complete history.
This Scriber has seen a gentle life, I am quite rapt that it has found it's way to me here in NZ.
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Duncan, very cool example of a unique folder.
"Biggs, William" is listed at "Stratford Broadway 1846 - 1855" and again as "Biggs, William & Sons" at "122 The Grove, Stratford 1925 - 1940".
I believe your example is from the later time period.
This information is from "The London Knife Book" by Ron Flook.
Great stag on that very nice timber scribe.
