21297 Hunting Knive

Joseph Rodgers & Sons were first established as cutlers at ‘Holy Croft’ Sheffield C1724. By 1780 the firm was firmly established and well known for making quality knives. Having outgrown their Holy Croft premises moved to what was to become their worldwide famous address 6 Norfolk Street Sheffield. Originally making small, edged weapons the Company moved into manufacture of large Bowies when American & British Empire markets expanded in the Victorian era (see pages 522-530 of Tweedale’s Directory Of Sheffield Cutlery Manufacturers Expanded 2nd Edition). This is an excellent Victorian era Bowie made at Rodgers & Sons 6 Norfolk Street premises. The 7” long, steel blade with medial ridge has polished horn scales secured by steel pins. It has German silver bolsters at the pommel and at the cross guard. The lower bolsters are ribbed and engraved ‘No6’ (Norfolk Street). It has a swivelling brass finger guard consisting of 2 plates secured to the blade shank by a single brass pin allowing movement of the cross guard as normally found on folding Bowies. The blade, on one side is marked crisply at the ricasso, 'No 6 Sheffield, Steel' and near to the spine ‘HUNTING KNIFE’. The reverse is stamped with Rodgers Maltese type cross trademarks. The blade has just light age-related staining. The blade is released for closing by depression of a bar on the spine of the hilt. Open the knife is 12 ½” overall length, closed 8 ½”. Its later quality made brown leather scabbard has a full flap cover with eyelet that fastens to a brass lug on the front of the scabbard. To the rear it has a single riveted belt loop. All leather & stitching of the scabbard are clean & intact. The price for this Victorian folding Bowie by one of the famous Sheffield cutlers includes UK delivery. Sn 21297 (drawers Office)