November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/3/2017
Circa second half 19th century. 12” long clip point blade, 1/4” thick and 1-3/8” wide, with sharpened false edge and deep central fuller, deep-etched “EXPLORER” in its center and along the spine “GEORGE BUTLER & COMPANY/TRINITY WORKS, SHEFFIELD”. One-piece ebony handle of pistol grip form, finely checkered on all four sides. Cast nickel silver S-shaped crossguard and nickel silver ball extension at pommel. Original black leather sheath with leather overlays at tip, throat, and center and a unique spring loaded latch for retention, which engages the notch in the knife’s upper quillon. Everything is in exceptional condition, unsharpened and with few imperfections to blade, handle or sheath. Ex. David Lennon collection.
Examples of this “Explorer” pattern are known bearing the marks of several different Sheffield and London firms. As a rule, knives of this type were intended for outfitting well-to-do British hunters on their excursions to India and Africa. Most were likely produced in Sheffield by companies such as Butler’s.
Item Dimensions: 3"T. x 18"L. x 1"D.