Antique Corn Knife by R. Kelly & Sons Liverpool

Here on offer is an excellent antique Corn Knife by R. Kelly & Sons of Liverpool.

The great grandson (Martin Kelly) of the founder of the firm (Robert Kelly) was kind enough to contact me to provide the correct timeline details about this company.

The company was actually founded in 1875 and finally went out of business in 1980. It branched out into machine tools and later, kitchenware shops before closing down.

The firm’s history is recorded in a book (now out of print) called "The Early History of Robert Kelly & Sons Ltd" by Archie Kelly.

Information about a Corn Blade:

Back in the 18th and 19th century, shoes seldom fitted well and as a result people often had corns on their feet that needed to be trimmed!

This was the blade that was used for that purpose, so basically it was like a surgical instrument.

This knife has waterfall celluloid handle slabs that look like ivory that are held in place with three steel pins. The front is etched with the words CORN KNIFE, inside a circular emblem topped with a crown.

The Corn Knife has a high carbon steel Corn Blade with nail pull.

One side of the blade is stamped with the name:

R. KELLY & SONS LIVERPOOL

There are some minor areas of dark age patina to the finish of the blade, that may clean off with metal cleaner.

The blade measures 2.4” (6cm) long and the knife is 5.5” (14cm) in total length when open.

It weighs 23g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

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

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 50597