Early 20th Century Fixed Blade ‘CUTLASS’ and Sheath with Stag Horn Grips by Leppington Ltd Sheffield England. 22544. Dagger

Founded in 1932 by Sidney Edgar Leppington (1889-1958), this table cutlery manufacturer was in Sidney Street. Its owner was born in Hunmanby, Bridlington, the son of James, a bricklayer, and his wife Annie. In about 1903, he started in the cutlery trade. By 1911, he was a commercial traveller in Sheffield; and by 1918 a manager. In the late 1920s, Leppington had a partner – Thomas Ibbotson – but in 1931 Leppington started his own business. It was registered in 1932 as a private limited company, with £1,000 capital, at Sydney Street. He later recalled that he began with only a typewriter and a card table but built up the business by extensive overseas travel (including a tour of 30,000 miles that took in Australia in 1947-48). The trade name was ‘CUTLASS’. The 20 ½ cm double edged medial ridged blade (34 cm overall) is stamped to the ricasso ‘LEPPINGTON Ltd ‘CUTLASS’ SHEFFIELD. The blade has slight age-related staining. The horn grips are held by four brass studs and based by brass coloured finger guard. The original leather sheath has an integrated belt loop and press stud holder *see images for condition*. The price includes UK delivery. 22544.