*Small Victorian Hunting Bowie Knife and original scabbard by J.Rodgers & Son*
This is a lovely Victorian Hunting Knife with 8″ blade, horn handle, silver escutcheon and original scabbard. The ricasso has the makers stamp J.Rodgers & Son, No 6 Norfolk St, Sheffield, England and on the reverse the Rodgers marks of The Star and Maltese Cross. The scabbard is original with brass tips.
Like many of Sheffield cutlery firms, the early history of Joseph Rodgers is a little unclear. It is claimed that a cutler called Joseph or John Rodgers operated out of a building in Hawley Croft close to location of Sheffield’s present day cathedral. In 1730 his two sons Maurice and Joseph took over. The mark of The Star and Maltese Cross was registered in 1764. In around 1780, the firm moved to larger premises at No. 6 Norfolk Street. Further expansions were required in the late 1800’s and more property was acquired in the area around Norfolk Street until ultimately it would become Sheffield’s largest cutlery factory. Rodgers products were now being exported to growing export markets – Asia, Africa, the Americas virtually the whole world. America would become Rodgers largest export market and it is claimed that it was a Rodgers’ hunting knife, given to Buffalo Bill by General Custer, which Bill used in his duel with Sitting Bull. It has been claimed that so great was Rodgers reputation for producing only the finest products that the word “Rujjus”, a variation on “Rodgers” entered into the Sinhalese dialect as a general expression of superlative quality. Joseph Rodgers’ success is evident in the firm’s appointment to five successive sovereigns – George IV, William IV, Queen Victoria, Edward II and George V.
*Condition*
This is in very good condition with some pitting and tarnishing to the blade and minor scratches to the silver escutcheon. The original scabbard is in good condition with some signs of wear and tear, the belt strap has come unattached at the top. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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