Traditional covers in mid 1800s

Ernie1980

Ernie1980

Joined
Apr 19, 2012
Messages
8,099
I picked up this William Rodgers knife off the bay recently, and according to Levine's Guide it was made between 1830-1855.

However, the covers are confusing me because they seem to be some sort of composite plastic type material- which I thought were not available until the end of the 1800s. (Seems to be around 1860 is the earliest frequent use)
There doesn't seem to be a lot of information about various knife covers through history, but from my experience bone, horn, wood, and Ivory seem to be the most common 19th century cover materials.

There are many here with far more knowledge than I, please help me out!!
 
Nice knife but I don't believe it is even close to the mid 1800s. The entry in LGIV may be a bit confusing. Follow the purchase and use of the trademark after the dates that you quoted. Goins' lists the brand as 1830- present.

From LGIV
trademarks sold to John Clarke & Son c1855; to Egginton Group mid 1980s
Click to expand...
 
I saw that and was wondering, but the tang says "William Rodgers" and the guide says he was only making from 1830-1855. It does have the feel of a later knife (not even including the covers), and is very well made! It doesn't have "England" on it so it should have been made before 1891...
 
Ernie, Knives marked England were made for export to the USA. If it wasn't made for export to the USA it may not say England. Jack Black will likely have much more information than I do.
 
I think Jake is right Ernie, I have a few William Rodgers knives with similar covers, and the same tang stamp. The material may be Xylonite, or it may be a more modern plastic. Made by John Clarke I think, my guess would be no earlier than the 1950's.



Sorry for the brief post, but my back is hurting a lot this morning :(
 
It's always nice to see some quality Sheffield knives. I don't often have the opportunity. Hope your back feels better, Jack!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top