Unusual WW2 Period Novelty RAF Spitfire Aircraft Shaped Brass Penknife by Leppington CUTLASS Sheffield c1940

Here on offer is a scarce and unusual WW2 Period novelty RAF spitfire aircraft shaped brass penknife, by Leppington (CUTLERS) Ltd, Sheffield, circa 1940.

I actually can’t find another example of this type of penknife. Leppington are known for making a range of cutlery, so penknives are actually rare to find.

On this penknife, the grip is made from two plates of solid brass, that have been cut in the shape of the side profile of a spitfire aircraft, as used by the Raf in WW2.

The plates are held in place against the steel liner, by two brass pins, that have been fitted and hidden so well in the plates, you can hardly see them.

The 2” single edged steel blade has the maker’s details stamped on one side of the ricasso:

LEPPINGTON
CUTLASS
SHEFFIELD

Leppington (CUTLERS) Ltd, was founded in 1932 by Sidney Edgar Leppington (1889-1958), this table cutlery manufacturer was in Sidney Street, Sheffield. In about 1903, he started in the cutlery trade. By 1911, he was a commercial traveller in Sheffield; and by 1918 a manager. In the late 1920s, Leppington had a partner, Thomas Ibbotson but in 1931 Leppington started his own business. It was registered in 1932 as a private limited company, at Sydney Street. He later recalled that he began with only a typewriter and a card table but built up the business by extensive overseas travel (including a tour of 30,000 miles that took in Australia in 1947-48). The trade name was ‘CUTLASS’.
In 1952, Leppington acquired the assets of bankrupt George Butler and henceforth, Leppington traded as George Butler & Co (Cutlers) Ltd.

This knife has seen light use with the blade retaining its bright finish and a good cutting edge., but some scratch marks. It is also still firm to open and close

It is a scarce penknife to find and will make a wonderful addition to any penknife collection.

The blade measures 2” (5cm) long with a cutting edge of 1.5” (3.8cm). The whole knife when open measures 4.5” (11.4cm) and it weighs 41g.

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: 52034