Hallo everyone! In 1970 I bought a
knife with silverclad handle in Abu Dhabi (see attached photos). The blade is stamped G♔R, JOSEPH RODGERS & SONS, CUTLER TO HIS MAJESTY, SHEFFIELD *✠ ENGLAND. It must have been made during the reigns of George IV (1820-1830), George V (1910-1936) or George VI (1936-1952), but is it possible to narrow it down?
Joseph Rodger's mark
- Thread starter Buraimi
- Start date
The fact that the stamp has England on it, and not just Sheffield indicates that it was probably made after 1890.
- Thread starter
- #3
Thanks for this comment! I suppose because of the "Merchandise Marks Act of 1887". This points at the time of George V or VI. Any details that could narrow that down? Does the double stamp indicate that it was made by machine and not by hand?
Probably stamped first thing on Monday morning, or Friday afternoon after downing eight pints at a pub lunch.
Blades and razors had to have the country stamp after 1891. Not sure which act was responsible, but apparently 1891 was when they needed to do it.
Edit; It was the McKinley tariffs act.
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It should be noted that many of the Sheffield cutlery makers were at one time or another "Cutler to His/Her Majesty" J. Rogers. Thomas Turner, Harrison and others. Once they obtained that designation they tended to use it even after the royalty moved on to another supplier. Probably not the best dating info. FWIW
