Early WHITBY 12G & 16G Shotgun Cartridge Extractor Knife with Horn Grip Scales c1961

Here on offer is an early WHITBY 12G & 16G shotgun cartridge extractor knife with horn grip scales, circa 1961.

In the 19th century, shotguns did not have shotshell extractors. This could be a problem because early shotshells were made of paper, not plastic, and often got 'stuck' once the shotgun was fired. Also, because they were hot, hunters were less than happy to pull them out with their fingers. As a result, cutlers began making knives with extractors using gauge sizes 12G, 16G, and 20G.

This knife has a 4.3” spearpoint steel blade, with a very sharp 3.75” cutting edge and tip, that is released by operating the lopped metal top edge lever lock. It is stiff to open and still locks securely in place, with no wobble. It is released to close by operating the same top lever and then carefully closing the blade, but be very careful as the blade is very sharp and has a strong spring!

There is now some age darkening to the blade in a few areas, but overall, it is in excellent condition and would polish to a brighter finish if required.

On one side of the ricasso it is stamped with the makers details:

WHITBY
FOREIGN

In 1961, Major Aubrey Whitby founded Whitby and Co in Kendal with a small range of Italian made pocket knives and kitchen woodware items, mainly aimed at the hunting and shooting market. Major Whitby found that his simple formula and belief in a company built on strong foundations of quality, value and total commitment to customer service was a successful one. The range of products offered by ‘Whitby Knives’ as it was then known, grew rapidly with multiple knives designed and manufactured under this brand, all receiving the Whitby stamp denoting quality.

"Whitby" branded knives, were often stamped with "Foreign" or "Made in Italy/Germany," and first appeared when Major Aubrey Whitby founded the company in 1961.

The "Foreign" marking was due to UK customs and marking regulations for imported goods, items from this era (1960s onwards) were often marked with the origin "Foreign" or the specific country, such as Germany (Solingen) or Italy.

While starting as an importer, Whitby & Co later moved to designing and manufacturing their own range of products, though the brand began with these imported, marked items.

The knife’s steel bolsters are made up of two integrated shotgun cartridge extractors, on one side a 12G and on the other a 16G.

The grip is made up of two beautiful smooth horn scales, pinned in place with three steel pins. The grip is in excellent condition, with no damage to the horn.

I think it had a thin lanyard loop at the end of the grip, which is now missing?

The blade measures 4.3” (11.1cm) long with a cutting edge of 3.75” (9.5cm). Fully open the knife measures 9.5” (24.2cm) long and it weighs 140g.

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: 52237