Boer War Trench Art Knife – G W Ratclife – Cape Town c1900

Here on offer is a Boer War, hand made “Trench Art” knife with its original leather scabbard, that I acquired with other Boer War memorabilia.

The handle is made up of discs of Bakelite and aluminium that have been shaped and held in place by what looks like a lead alloy top and bottom fitting. The very top has a brass ring and it looks like the knife shaft has been professional rounded off into a secure domed cap.

The blade looks to be steel and has been cleaned to a bright finish by its previous owner.

The heavy knife fits really snuggly into its brown leather covered scabbard, which still retains its belt loop, which also has a metal stud fixed to the top. The scabbard has two aluminium bands around the main section and an aluminium chape or tip, all riveted into place.

The central band has CAPE TOWN stamped on the front and the chape has the original owners name, G W RATCLIFE stamped into the metal.

I can’t confirm if a Boer Republican fighter made this or if it was a British soldier serving in South Africa at the time?

A rare and unusual knife, that warrants further research.

It measures 9.9” (25cm) long in the scabbard and the blade is 5.5” (14cm) long.

It weighs 235g.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

Code: 50007