Description

Blade: 17.5cm

An authentic 19th century Sheffield-made hunting or Bowie-style knife by Hunter & Son of Sheffield, retaining its original horn grip scales and leather scabbard.

The blade is clearly stamped “Hunter & Son Sheffield,” a respected Sheffield cutlery maker associated with the city’s internationally renowned steel and edge tool industry during the Victorian period.

Sheffield became world famous throughout the 19th century for producing hunting knives, Bowie knives, trade knives, and military edged weapons, many exported throughout Britain, Europe, and America.

This example displays several classic mid to late 19th century characteristics, including its clipped Bowie-style blade profile, simple iron crossguard, pinned natural horn grip scales, and stitched leather sheath.

Knives of this type were commonly used as hunting knives, camp knives, utility knives, or carried as travelling sidearms during the Victorian era.

The robust blade form and understated construction suggest a practical working knife rather than a purely ceremonial example.

Sheffield-made hunting knives became particularly popular between the 1850s and early 1900s, influenced heavily by American Bowie knife designs while retaining traditional British cutlery manufacture.

The surviving maker’s mark, original leather scabbard, and aged horn handle give the piece strong decorative and collector appeal, particularly for collectors of antique weaponry, Victorian militaria, country pursuits, and Sheffield cutlery history.