Vintage Pruning Knife with worn Blade by H. Rowbotham & Co. of Sheffield

Here on offer is a vintage pruning knife with a worn blade by H. Rowbotham & Co. of Sheffield.

The grip has two black imitation stag antler scales, made from a hard plastic that are in great condition, no damage, just light wear to the raised antler pattern. They are held in place against the brass liners, by three steel pins.

I am sure this knife started life with a curved prune cutter shaped blade which has been worn down over years of use and sharpening, to what is now a much thin shaped blade. It has lots of sharpening scratches to the finish but still retains a sharp cutting edge.

It still opens and closes well with no “wobble”.

On one side of the ricasso it is stamped with the maker’s name:

H. ROWBOTHAM
& Co (SHEFFIELD)

Some history about H. Rowbotham & Company (Sheffield) Ltd

This firm can be traced to T. E. Rowbotham & Son, cutlery manufacturers, Globe Works, Penistone Road. Thomas Edward Rowbotham (c.1857-1922) was a Wadsley-born, spring knife cutler, who by 1881 was working and living in Hill Foot, Sheffield. He married Annie Millicent and they had a son named Harold Rowbotham, who was born on 5 February 1894. T. E. Rowbotham & Son was listed in 1919, but when Thomas died ownership of the firm passed to Harold and his sisters, Lizzie and Nellie. This arrangement (which also included Harry Jackson and J.W. Abrahams) was dissolved in 1924. T. E. Rowbotham then disappeared from directories, but Harold continued to trade.
In 1931, H. Rowbotham & Co (Sheffield) Ltd was registered as a private limited company, with £1,000 capital, and Harold Rowbotham and Rose E. Rowbotham (his wife) as subscribers. The address was Milton Works, Headford Street. In 1951, the company was an exhibitor (and advertiser) at the British Industries Fair. Rowbotham made (or sold) a traditional range of pocket knives, scissors, and table cutlery. In 1969, Harold Rowbotham voluntarily wound up the business. He died at Norton Lees Road, on 3 July 1970, aged 76. His widow, Rose Ellen, died on 29 October 1970.

Somebody clearly loved and treasured this knife, obviously now not in mint condition but a great example of a well-used knife that has been cared for over the years.

The blade measures 2.75” (7cm) long with a 2.25”” (5.7cm) cutting edge.

The knife is 6.25” (16cm) long when open and weighs 60g.

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: 51881