New (old) addition to collection....can you give info?

[Richard]

My dad went to an antique show, and picked up a really neat knife for me. Sorry for crummy pic, I just couldnt seem to get a better one.

Handles are MOP. The blade on the left pointing up is a file, with a knife tip. The other blades are various size spear points with swedges (right term?)

Each blade it stamped on the tang.
1. Encore
Turner&Co
Sheffield

2. Sheffield
Oil The
Joints

3. Turner&Co
Sheffield
England

4. Encore
Turner&Co
Sheffield

Those are the stamps on each of the 4 blades.

Each blade has filework on the spine. Also, the backsprings are fileworked on the inside of the handle.

Other than some discoloration on the blades (no rust at all) this knife appears to have not been used or sharpened at all....completely un-used.

It has a small brown leather, velvet lined snapper case to keep it in, I assume to protect it in a pocket. This case is said to be original also.

Apprently the knife is from the late 1800s.

One thing I noticed is that fit and finish, and 'walk and talk' are the equal (or better) than many modern day slip joints I have handled.

This one gos to the display case for sure.

I am hoping somebody can give me some info or history on the company, or knife....and also some tips on how to care for it.

Thanks.

 

[Richard]

Hmmm...seems the pic does not want to work.

Lets try again.

 

[bob bowie]

Hi,

Your 4 blade pen/Small Senator knife was made by Thomas Turner, & Co (1802-1932). It's really nice to see it's still in great shape(ex/near mint). The pouch/purse is almost definately original to the knife. As most of the small fancy knives of that time usually came with one. And yes, swedge(s) is the right term. Can you show a picture of the backspring's, etc....?

I can't help you with a value(sorry, the little knives aren't my bag), but I've seen similar stuff sold through www.nwknives.com , and www.jbrucevoyles.com . Also, check with Mr. Levine, as I'm sure he can be of more help.

If it were mine, I would just dab a bit of oil on it, and enjoy. Also I would keep it out of the knife pouch/purse, that might help keep it from tarnishing.




HTH.

 

[Richard]

Thanks for the info. I got one of the things I was looking for which was the dates the company was in business.

Also, it had not occured to me to store it out of the pouch, thanks...good tip.

I lightly oiled the pivots which sure smoothed it up.

Here are a couple of shots of the file work....not really my day for good pics. Some days ya got it, some ya dont

Back of the blades:

Backsprings, inside of handle:

Thanks for your info.

 

[bob bowie]

Just a bit more info.

I typed "Thomas Turner Knife" into google, and found the following:

They first used the encore trademark in 1805.

They exported quite a bit of knives to America.

Thomas Turner, & Co owned quite a few trademark's, and seemed to contract out a bit of work, and brand it under his own trademarks, etc....

Also, try not to open more than one blade at a time. You'll hear ton's of arguing about if it's okay to leave a knife open, but most agree it's bad to open multiple blades at a time. I've personally seen an old knife's spring's crack because of the tension.



.

 

[GigOne]

Very cool addition !

I've never seen a knife come with a case like that.

Interesting ! !

Congrats

 

[Richard]

I have heard that also Bob that you should not open all the blades. When I do, I open one all the way, and the other blade on the same spring half way....that way one side of the spring is still at rest as it is when its closed.

Thanks for hunting up then info on the Encore trademark.

Thanks Gig...I like it

 

[Bastid]

Richard,
That sure is one sweet knife. Congrats.

P.S. Bob (as always) has givin good advice. I think it may surprise you how much that puppy is worth. I am not sure but my guess is well over 500 according to some Sheffield knives I was checking out at Blade so keep it nice. The quality of many of those 1800 - 1900 era knives is awesome.