Antique Pocket Knife
This is an Alexander Sheffield beehive handled pocket knife from probably around the Civil War era, but I don't know. The handle is made of silver metal and has two different materials on each side of the handle. I believe they are both wood but one could be mother of pearl or ivory. I think it is in relatively good shape for its age, when the main blade is open it is a little wobbly. There is an N and a Y printed on the blade which I assume was for New York. I have searched a lot and I have not been able to find a knife exactly like this. It has been in my family for at least 70 years.
When open total length of 7 1/4 inches. Handle is 4 1/8 inches. Main blade is 3 1/4 inches.
Inherited
Yes
Hi Michael,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
R.H. Alexander of New York importing Sheffield-made spear-point Bowie knives, marked “Alexander Sheffield” on the ricasso, often accompanied by “N.Y.” and shield imagery. The handles sometimes feature staghorn slabs, though wood is also used in these handles; horn would be very hard. The mounts are usually made of German silver, which was 800/1000 parts silver content (sterling silver has a higher percentage: 925/1000) and often marked .800.
There are a LOT of older and more recent reproductions floating around on the market - while it's possible that this is one of them, though the coloring of the handle and its associated wear are what one would expect of a knife from the mid/late 19th Century.
When the original knives come to auction, they usually sell for less than $100. If this has been a family piece, it may very well have greater sentimental value to you and your family but it's important you be familiar with an accurate assessment of its market value.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
An antique Sheffield folding or pocket knife
Retailed by RH Alexander of NYC
The tapered single-edged blade inscribed ALEXANDER SHEFFIELD NY to the ricasso, in a carved silver or silver-plate mounted wood or staghorn handle.
Length open: 7-1/4 inches; length closed: 4-1/8 inches
CONDITION: This appears to be in good condition
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 50-75*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
