Antique Ring-Opening Double Bladed Gentleman’s Penknife by Wade Wingfield & Rowbotham Sheffield c1840

Here on offer is a scarce example of an antique ring-opening, double bladed gentleman’s penknife by Wade Wingfield & Rowbotham of Sheffield, circa 1840.

This ingenious double bladed folding penknife can be easily opened by turning the large rings which project from and rotate the blades pivots. This is really useful for people with delicate or too short finger nails, or even gloved hands.

The penknife has two steel blades, one at each end, that hinge out and hold in place, albeit the longer blade has a slight ‘side to side’ wobble.

On the longer blade, it has the maker’s name stamped on one side of the ricasso, that reads as:

WADE
WINGFIELD
ROWBOTHAM
SHEFFIELD

On the other side of the ricasso you can just make out what looks like the company’s early logo of a crown above a harp.

The small blade is stamped on one side of the ricasso, with:

SHEFFIELD
OIL THE
JOINTS

The blades show signs of use, with some edge nibbles and now have areas of dull greying to the finish, that would polish to a brighter finish if required.

The penknife has brass liners and very early imitation ivory grip plates. Synthetic substitutes for ivory were developed as far back as the early 1800’s.

The grip plates are in excellent, undamaged condition and you can still clearly see the imitation ivory graining.

The large steel ‘split’ rings are still in place and shows signs of slight rust pitting. These rings meant that you can easily attached keys or other small items to them, so it can act as a keyring as well as a penknife.

My understanding is that the firm of Rowbotham & Wingfield was listed in 1797. The name was changed to Wade Wingfield & Rowbotham in 1818 and they had premises at 82 Tenter Street, in Sheffield, England.

I believe that Wade died in 1851 and therefore in 1852 the company’s name was changed from Wade Wingfield & Rowbotham to just Wingfield Rowbotham & Co.

Therefore, this early penknife must pre-date 1852 and possibly dates back to George IV, William IV or Queen Victoria’s reign?

The longer blade measures 2” (5.1cm) and the shorter blade 1.6” (4cm). Closed the penknife measures 3” (7.8cm) long, excluding the rings.

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: 51804