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UNAVAILABLE UNAVAILABLE Victorian Era English Southern & Richardson Sheffield Folding Multi Bladed Sportsman’s ‘Nest Knife’. Sn 17786 - 17786 Mr Southern and Mr Wilson founded the company in 1828, with Mr Wilson as the works manager and Mr Southern as the travelling salesman. A centenary booklet by the company pointed out that ‘Travelling in those days was a long… [and] very tedious business, as it had to be done by horse and trap’ and that Mr Southern was away for very long periods of time, because he had to travel throughout the country and to the Mediterranean markets. In 1847 Mr Wilson retired and was replaced by Mr Samuel Richardson, which was when the company name changed to Southern & Richardson. In 1851 the company moved from Wheeldon Works, Solly Street to the Don Cutlery Works on Doncaster Street, where they stayed for over 70 years. During the First World War the company made cutlery for the Army and Navy, continuing when 65% of their employees joined up, a figure that was the highest for all firms in Sheffield. In total, 18 employees were killed during their service.In 1919 Southern & Richardson joined Sheffield Cutlery Manufacturers Ltd, a merger led by Needham, Veall & Tyzack. This venture was not a success and in order to rationalise production, Southern and Richardson moved to the Needham, Veall & Tyzack site on Thomas Street and Milton Street. This is a nice Multi Bladed Clasp Knife by Southern & Richardson in the form popular in the Victorian era. The knife has 10 tools and blades (2 single edged blades,1 saw blade, gimlet, corkscrew, file with screwdriver tip, triangular spike, hook, removable spike and tweezers). Some of the blades and tools are signed by the makers ‘Southern & Richardson Sheffield’ and have ‘Birds nest with eggs’ devices. One blade is marked ‘Nest Knife’ together with nest device . The knife has undamaged Stag horn scales. One scale is mounted with void German Silver oval disc. The frame of the knife has German Silver edges and reinforcing pin to one end and it has a German Silver shackle. The scales are slotted for accessories which securely hold the removable steel spike and tweezers. The blades & accessories have staining to be expected with age. With the largest large 3” blade unfolded the knife measures 8 ¼” overall length. All blades and tools fold neatly into its steel frame which is reinforced with brass inserts. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 17786
£395.00 |
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