Rare Antique George Ibberson Quill Cutter & Folding 6” Ruler c1820

Here on offer is a rare antique integral quill cutter and 6” folding bone ruler, circa 1820.

This is a very rare quill cutter and folding ruler and the only example I can find is an image of this type of tool which appears in Joseph Smith’s ‘Explanation or Key to the Various Manufactories of Sheffield’, this is also known ‘Smith’s Key’ published in 1816.

‘Smith’s Key’ is simply a collection of tool engravings showing many different tools and styles.

I have included a picture of the page including an illustration of this piece in the centre.

The folding ruler has polished bone scales and hinges open around a circular ribbed brass disc, to form a 6” long ruler with the scale divisions and numbers in black. The ruler is stiff to open, being held closed by a spring mechanism.

The end where the blade folds out, has two cracks running from the swivel pin, on both sides and shows signs of some old filler being used to repair it.

The ruler is pinned to the brass liners and steel frame.

The quill cutter has a 1.5” steel blade that still folds and locks in place, with just a slight wobble.

The blade shows signs of sharpening and has some dark pitting marks on the blade.

On the ricasso it has been partially stamped with the maker’s mark, being a violin, for the Sheffield maker, Joseph Ibberson.

Below the mark are the partial words:

SHEFFIELD
MAKER

This Sheffield knife maker was established circa 1700 or earlier by Joseph Ibberson. The first mention of Ibberson in the Company of Cutlers records is 1666. The family became prominent in 1759, when Joseph Ibberson, son of the founder, became Master Cutler. It was George Ibberson, who established the family’s name, who organised his own enterprise making items stamped with Ibberson’s mark, a violin. They were the first company to manufacture stainless steel cutlery. Eventually sold to British Syphon Industries, then MAB Industries bought the company, they went into liquidation in 1983 and was acquired by Egginton Bros Ltd. In 1986 Egginton Group was formed with other cutlers. The brand name 'Ibberson' is still used by the Egginton Group.

This is a very rare collectable piece by George Ibberson.

When closed, the ruler measures 3.25” (8.2cm) long by 0.6” (1.6cm) wide.

It weighs 24g.

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: 52150