Rare Ornate Double Bladed Folding Bowie Knife marked “Best English Cutlery” Sheffield c1830

Here on offer is a rare and highly collectable, double bladed folding dirk/dagger or folding Bowie knife, marked “Best English Cutlery”, circa 1830.

Back in the 1820’s the traditional large fixed bladed Bowie knife became the knife of choice, especially in supplying knives to the American market.

However, not everyone wanted a heavy fixed-blade knife and a market for a foldable version developed.

As with standard Bowie knives, Sheffield makers were America's main supplier.

Therefore, this type of folding knife was developed, which strictly speaking, where folding-dirks or daggers, although variants intended for the American market have often been labelled as “folding Bowie knives”.

These folding Bowie’s, were made by Sheffield makers for the American market between the 1820’s and 1850’s, during the period of the California Gold Rush up to the Civil War era.

They were often highly ornate, so that apparently, stabbing someone could be done in style!

They recognised that even larger sales were possible if they catered for American tastes for decoration and patriotic sentiments.

They made folding dirks from top-quality materials-ivory and pearl-and added fancy mounts and bolsters. American eagles, horses and cannons, and patriotic words (such as 'Liberty and Union', reflecting Daniel Webster's famous speech of 1850), adorned Sheffield folding Bowies.

Now I am led to believe this impressive two bladed folding knife is an early example, probably made in the 1830’s, most likely made in Sheffield, as a 19th century gentleman's folding dirk, self-defence weapon.

The larger blade is a spear/clip-point shaped slender 4.25” steel blade, with an actual single cutting edge of 3.75”.

The smaller spear-pointed 2.25” steel blade, has an actual single cutting edge of 1.9” and may well have been used as a “quill cutter”.

Both blades have a nail opening grove about half way along the top of the blade and are both stamped on the ricasso with:

BEST
ENGLISH
CUTLERY

I believe this knife was made in Sheffield but I have not been able to identify the specific manufacturer. Possibly makers are Henry & Co or James Westa, who are both known for suppling top quality knives to the American market during this period.

The blade opening and closing action still works smoothly and both blades lock solidly in place.


I think the crossguard and end bolster are made from nickel silver or they are possibly heavily silver plated, it is hard to tell?

The cross guard is cast in relief with a swirling pattern on both sides.

The ornate end bolster depicts a raised blank shield on both sides.

The grip is made of two beautiful ivory scales that are pinned securely to the brass grip frame by six pins on one side and three on the other. One side also has a blank thin rectangular silver plaque inset and pinned in place, that could be engraved with the owner’s name or initials. The ivory scales are in excellent undamaged condition and now have a beautiful, almost mirror finish.

Now when you look at the pins that hold the whole knife together, on the grip scales, bolster and crossguard, they look to have been removed and some replaced with larger pins, during its life.

Clearly this rare knife has been highly valued during its life, enough for it to be professionally repaired, albeit many, many years ago by looking at the discolouration around the replaced pins.

My understanding is that “Folding Bowies” made before 1850 are very rare and this is an outstanding example of a highly desirable knife from this time period.

The knife experts, Bernard Levine and Roger Baker have commented: 'The Sheffield folding Bowie is fascinating in its historical lore, mechanical workmanship and elegant beauty. It is frustrating to search for these rare pieces of Americana. It can be devastating to the wallet to acquire one. However, even a single fine example can be considered a respectable collection'.

This is the only example I have ever seen and had the privilege to own and it will make an impressive addition to any knife collection.

When fully open the knife is 9.25” (23.4cm) in total length and weighs 123g.

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

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Code: 51671