British, Mid-20th Century – Fighting Knife in the Style of Nowill & Rogers

*British, Mid-20th Century – Fighting Knife in the Style of Nowill & Rogers*

A vintage Sheffield-style fighting knife of post-war pattern, likely made by J. Nowill & Sons and George Rogers & Co. The knife features a double-edged, stiletto-form blade measuring 14.2 cm (5 ⅝ in), with a ricasso shoulder and central ridge line. The grip is formed of stacked leather washers with red and black fibre spacers, fitted with an aluminium oval guard and flared aluminium pommel secured by a brass nut.

Overall length 25.2 cm (9 ⅞ in).

Historical Note:
Following the Second World War, Sheffield cutlers produced a wide range of fighting and utility knives based on wartime commando patterns. Firms such as Nowill, Rogers, Ibberson, and Taylor’s Eye Witness offered these knives to ex-servicemen and military outfitters, many carrying on the Fairbairn-Sykes tradition but in more compact, affordable forms for commercial sale and private use. The stacked leather handle with coloured spacers and alloy fittings became a signature Sheffield feature of the 1950s period.

*Condition*
Blade showing uniform grey patina and areas of surface oxidation consistent with age; cross-guard and pommel with light marks and wear; stacked leather grip tight with even age polish and light scuffing; no sheath present. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

RQMCOXEE_5338216637