WW2 Issued 1942 British Army Jack Knife by John Clarke & Son Sheffield owned by Lt. J. L. Falck of the South Wales Borders

Here on offer is a unique example of a genuine WW2 British Army issued Jack Knife by John Clarke & Son, Sheffield, dated to 1942.

I was told when I bought it that it was owned by Lieutenant J. L. Falck, service number 346132 who served with of the South West Borders during WW2.

The family member I bought it from also thought he took part in the D Day landings at Gold Beach on the 6th June 1944, but I have not managed to research his service history to prove or disprove this?

This type of Jack Knife has a single 2.5” blade, a can opener, stamped on one side with a Broad Arrow, the date 1942 and the maker’s details:

J. CLARKE & SON
SHEFFIELD

There is also a long marlinspike and a flat headed screwdriver at one end.

It has steel liners and at the other end is a large steel swivel lanyard loop.

It has black chequered Bakelite grip plates. One plate is in perfect condition and the other side has been moulded slightly, where the owner has fixed a small pierced brass diamond shaped plaque, set with his initials, “F J”.
There is also a tiny crack in the Bakelite near one of the hinge pins.

The blade and tool springs are still very strong and hard to opened and fold into the grip perfectly, making the knife compact and easy to carry.

The steel blade has a very good cutting edge but the surface is now pitted on both sides.

The can opener and marlinspike are in great condition, with just minor surface staining.

It is hard to find a WW2 Jack Knife that you can associate with its original owner, making this example a great WW2 collector’s piece.

The blade cutting edge measures 2.5” (6.4cm) long and the knife when closed is 3.75” (9.5cm) long, excluding the lanyard ring.

It weighs 160g.


Some history about John Clarke & Son.

“Fine Cutlery Merchants' was how John Clarke liked himself to be known before the Great War.
The firm was founded in 1848 by John Clarke and was based in Harvest Lane in Neepsend. The business expanded under the founder's son, Thomas, who took control in about 1873.

The company acquired the business and trademarks of William Rodgers, which had been founded in 1830, Wm. Rodgers' name and its catchy mark, 'I Cut My Way', was used prominently by Clarke's thereafter.

The firm's own marks were 'Neva', granted in 1856; and EXPRESS. The 'Ring' mark was also used on Clarke's razors, which were an important line for the firm in the nineteenth century. Hollow-ground razors were a specialty and the firm also marketed one of the first safety razors-the Gem. Its showrooms also had a good selection of knives, including knives 5/16" long (perfect miniatures), to the most expensive sportsmen's knives, gold and silver mounted, containing every article a sportsman can require.

Table-knives and carvers were another Line. In the 1890s, it had agents in London, New York and Melbourne. By 1914, the firm had moved to nearby Mowbray Street, where its new factory was built on the banks of the River Don. It was to Remain there well into the twentieth century as one of the last producers of hand-made pocket-knives: it also made large numbers of Bowie knives. Clarke's ceased making knives in about 1983.


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: 51756