British, Edwardian, Stag-Handled Sporting Knife by Atkin Brothers, Sheffield – 1902 Hallmarked Silver Ferrule

*British, Edwardian, Stag-Handled Sporting Knife by Atkin Brothers, Sheffield – 1902 Hallmarked Silver Ferrule*

A fine quality Edwardian-era gentleman’s sporting or dressing knife by the renowned Sheffield firm Atkin Brothers, featuring a silver-mounted stag horn grip and a 17 cm spear-point blade (33 cm overall). This robust yet elegant piece would have served as a personal field or game-preparation knife — a typical accessory for a well-outfitted gentleman on the hunt or in the countryside.

The blade is clearly marked “REFINED STEEL” alongside the Atkin Brothers' distinctive trademark of a fleur-de-lys held in a hand — a rarely seen but documented symbol of the firm. The grip is fashioned from a naturally curved stag antler, warm-toned and well-aged, with excellent ergonomic form and no splits or losses.

The silver ferrule bears full English hallmarks for Sheffield, 1902, including the lion passant (sterling standard), the crown for the Sheffield Assay Office, and the maker’s mark “HA” for Harry Atkin. The date letter is a serif capital “K” in a notched shield, confirming the hallmark year as 1902. This perfectly aligns with Atkin Bros’ peak production period during the Edwardian era.

Although the firm maintained a commercial presence in London, their production and hallmarking remained based at their Truro Works in Sheffield. The Sheffield hallmark is therefore entirely standard and correct for Atkin Bros. silverwork of this era. Atkin Brothers were among Sheffield’s leading cutlers and silversmiths, producing high-quality silver, electroplate, and sporting cutlery for both domestic and export markets.

*Condition*
The blade shows age-related oxidisation and surface pitting on one face but remains structurally sound with legible maker’s markings. The stag antler handle is in excellent condition with a rich, natural tone and no visible cracks or losses. The silver ferrule is intact, with well-struck and clearly legible hallmarks. The knife is without its original sheath. Please refer to the photographs as part of the condition report.

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