1902 British Army clasp knife. Rarer than rocking horse poop

[Ystranc]

This is a 116a/1902 pattern British Army clasp knife with pick or marlin spike. The scales are buffalo horn, the bail is copper. Only a small number were made between 1902 and 1905 when the specification changed to include a can opener. These are so rare it's unbelievable.

 

[Ark79]

Good score mate Am a little intrigued about all this knife business mike …. I could really get into buying and selling

 

[Ystranc]

If it's something that you enjoy and are passionate about then it's a great way to justify buying knives to the other half....they do generally expect you to turn a profit though (which I consider to be most unfair)

 

[1 shot willie]

Nice find Mike

 

[Madriverrob]

As you will no doubt know , the marlin spike is to assist with rope work traditionally for sailors but as a "Sapper" we were issued more modern versions as knots and lashings formed part of our combat engineer training .........

 

[Ystranc]

I've had a great many rigging knives over the years

 

[Ark79]

Any books you would suggest on what you do Mike ?

 

[Ystranc]

Not as such apart from a couple of books by Geoffrey Tweedale about Sheffield makers. I recommend getting out there and talking to people. Buying the best that you can but always being careful not to get carried away and spend too much.

 

[Ark79]

Not as such apart from a couple of books by Geoffrey Tweedale about Sheffield makers. I recommend getting out there and talking to people. Buying the best that you can but always being careful not to get carried away and spend too much.

Best way to learn right enough I’ve had it in my mind for some time now, nothing to extravagant just a side hustle. The concept is appealing…. However I have a cupboard full of “should I could I and haven’t bothered”

 

[38thfoot]

The fact that something very similar was still being issued until at least the 90s is a testament to the basic design.

38

 

[Madriverrob]

My issue clasp knife ……
Worn by Sappers on their lanyard and part of daily kit , we would be asked to show ID card and knife on parade …..

Best tin opener ever and still used daily.

 

[Ark79]

Got one similar but without the spike

 

[Madriverrob]

Got one similar but without the spike

Apparently there are about four different versions …. Marlin spike for Royal Engineers

 

[1 shot willie]

This is just about the oldest knife I own.
Any ideas of age @Ystranc ?

 

[Ystranc]

This is just about the oldest knife I own.
Any ideas of age @Ystranc ?

If it's a Francis Newton peach pruner it is probably mid 19th century through to early 20th. There were two generations of cutlers with the same name.

 

[Ystranc]

My issue clasp knife ……
Worn by Sappers on their lanyard and part of daily kit , we would be asked to show ID card and knife on parade …..

Best tin opener ever and still used daily.

View attachment 39477View attachment 39478View attachment 39479

This design is only let down by the stainless steel back spring which is too brittle and is known to break across the centre rivet.

 

[1 shot willie]

If it's a Francis Newton peach pruner it is probably mid 19th century through to early 20th. There were two generations of cutlers with the same name.

Cheers Mike .........interesting......thanks for the feedback mate

 

[Gbhcustomknives]

Had one similar as a kid went everywhere with me can't do that nowadays lol

 

[38thfoot]

Lives in the boot of my car with some other odds and ends.

38

 

[Ystranc]

That's quite an early one of the all stainless knives 38th. Very nice indeed.