Vintage Unused British Army Folding Two-Piece Stainless Steel Clasp or Jack Knife Dated 1952 with Original Waxed Paper Wrapping

Here on offer is a vintage unused British army folding, two-piece stainless steel clasp or jack knife, dated 1952 with original waxed paper wrapping.

I have managed to acquire a couple of these unused, near mint knives, still with their original waxed paper wrapping.

It has a main blade, a combination can & bottle opener, along with a screwdriver tip and at the other end a lanyard loop.

On the front grip plate it is stamped with the maker:

J. H. THUMPSON
(CUTLERY) Ltd
SHEFFIELD
C.C.1286

It is also stamped with 448 and a broad arrow

Along with the date 1952 and a broad arrow and OIL THE JOINTS.

Some history relating to J.H. THUMPSON (CUTLERY) Ltd.

This firm was started in 1932 as Howe & Thompson, Arundel Street, by Harold Howe and John Harry Thompson. The latter was probably J. H. Thompson (1889-1974), the son of Herbert (a file cutter) and his wife, Martha. John became a table knife cutler, then a foreman. By 1935, he operated alone as J.H. Thompson, cutlery manufacturer, at 72 Arundel Street. It manufactured pen, pocket and hunting knives, besides table and dessert cutlery. Thompson had filed a patent for a device for opening cans in 1944; and another for an improvement in scouts and sheath knives in 1958. In 1948, the firm was registered as J. H. Thompson (Cutlery) Ltd, with £5,000 capital, and the trademarks ‘SABRE’ and ‘CALYPSO’. It ceased business in the early 1960s.

This knife has never been used an is in near mint condition, just a couple of light storage marks to the stainless steel.

The blade and tool fold into the grip, making it compact and easy to carry. I have lightly oiled (with gun oil) the blade/tool joints as they are very stiff to open.

This is a rare opportunity to obtain one of these knives in such fine unused condition, given the knife is nearly 75 years old.

The blade cutting edge measures 2.5” (6.2cm) long and the knife when closed is 3.75” (9.5cm) long, excluding the lanyard ring.

It weighs 93g.

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: 51922