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Victorian English James Rodgers (Unwin & Rodgers) Sheffield German Silver Cutlery Hilt Bowie Knife With Etched Blade ‘A Sure Defence’ Made For The American Wild West Market & Open Top Scabbard. Sn 22707 - 22707 The earliest artefact evidence dates from the activities of James Rodgers Sheffield (c.1758-1829), who apparently established James Rodgers & Co. Neither James Rodgers nor his firm were listed in directories, but razors with that company name and the date 1825 have survived. Certainly, James Rodgers was joined by Philip Unwin (1800-1878). In 1825, the latter was listed alone as a pen knife manufacturer in Green’s Square, Charles Lane. Three years later, Unwin & Rodgers appeared in a Sheffield directory as a manufacturer of pen, pocket and desk knives, pearl slides, clasps, and buckles, in Charles Street. James Rodgers died on 7 February 1829, henceforth, Philip Unwin and his descendants operated the business. In the Victorian era many English cutlers made Bowies for the growing American market. This is a Victorian cutlery handled spear point Bowie signed James Rodgers Sheffield, most likely made after his death in 1829 by the Company still trading as Unwin & Rogers for export to the USA. The knife has a typical Victorian era cast German Silver cutlery form handle decorated with Fish & Squid in the sea scenes. The hilt has an oval German Silver finger guard. The 8” long, steel single edged blade has areas of staining consistent with age. One side of the blade is signed ‘James Rodgers Sheffield’ and has an etched panel ‘A Sure Defence’ (an inscription found on American Bowies). The knife measures 13 ¼” overall. The blade is just under 1 ¼” broad at its widest & the spine is 3mm thick. The original age faded brown leather scabbard has German Silver throat mount with frog locket. The leather has age faded gilt foliate decoration on the edges and the centre of one side. The leather has surface wear consistent with age and handling. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 22707 (Bowies Box) £395.00
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