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

Thanks Jake & gbus. I think i have something similar but German, however i can't get there to check for another 3 weeks.
roland
 
That's a testament to quality stag and to have survived like that in shadow form too. Nice rich fruitcake colour on that one, stag takes on a patina like nothing else.
 
Charles,

Nice looking serpentine shadow pattern! What is the closed length? Very unique shield. Have you seen this shield used before?
 
Knife is 3 1/4" closed. I hadn't noticed the shape of the shield, I just thought it was a crest, but upon closer looking I see what you mean it is not a normal crest shape. To answer your question, No I have not seen this before. (At least I didn't notice). Charles
 
Charles you've got some fine Golden Age Sheffield knives. I have found them very hard to come by as ebay is my only source. Either there are not that many in North America, or collectors are holding on to them.
How do you date your Wm. Rodgers ?
Having spent time in the BRL forum i now try to "read the knife" for evidence to corroborate the markings. I think the Wm. Rodgers markings were purchased & may have been used subsequent to closure of the original Wm. Rodgers business.
I bet the UK guys know.
roland
 
Roland: I used Levines IV, but the quality of fit and finish spoke exhibition knife to me, so I would put it to the time period before the markings were sold. I only have a chance to find these kind of knives in person at shows. I have recently had the opportunity to work a table at the Tulsa show with a veteran knife trader with wonderful Sheffield knowledge and he found the knife and I bought it from him as soon as I saw it. Of course I always stand to be corrected, so I hope the UK guys chime in. In any case it is a beautiful knife that I'm proud to own. I have another knife that I will post soon that is also above the norm in fit and finish. Charles
 
Sensational and intricate file-work on that knife. Very high calibre workmanship indeed. Maybe even something from The Great Exhibition itself? An awe inspiring thought....
 
Definitely an inspiring knife. I like these "3 thick" multiblades. There's a lot of 'knife' in them. And the condition of this Wm. Rodgers is most remarkable.
Thanks for showing it Charles.
roland
 
Thanks for posting pictures of your fine five bladed Wm Rodgers Charles.

Not easy to judge its condition from pics, certain looks a quality item for sure. The thing has a mid to later Victorian look about it, perhaps it was made as a presentation knife ?.

True 'Exhibition knives' very rarely appear for sale, they were mainly kept by their makers for display. Oversize centre pieces..down to the smaller stuff.. extra special peerless quality was the norm.

Mick
 
Mick, thanks for the insight. Condition of this William Rodgers is near mint (my pictures aren't top notch) the finishes (gold wash) and special treatments are way above the norm, probably a presentation knife like you described. I have another 3 spring I will post later. Charles
 
Thanks Mick for the additional insight. I agree there is some similarity with the other knife, sort of confirms the possible age. Here is the other one J. Crossland (arched) & Sons/ Sheffield ( 1868-1924) 3 1/4”, 3 spring, 5 blades or tools, (button hook, file and 3 blades), milled brass liners, nickel silver pins and bar shield, worked blade backs and springs. Gold washed interior and back springs. Bevel lipped pearl scales. The blade/tool have visible age, but don't look sharpened. Charles

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Heck..Charles that's ^^ a dandy looking knife:eek:..in lovely nick too..I like it very much.

Crosslands supplied some of the larger Sheffield firms with best quality finished knives.. I'll have a dig around and see if I can find this particular pattern mentioned anywhere..

Thanks for showing ..Mick
 
Mick, thanks for the comments. I passed up a Ted Osbourne/Ibberson for this one. Once I saw it I knew I had to have it. Pieces like this and the William Rodgers don't come by very often. Any additional information you can provide will certainly be welcome. Thanks, Charles
 
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