George Woodhead and Sons - Gunstock Pattern knife

Status - Available

Price: $ 575 + shipping

This George Woodhead and Sons Gunstock Pattern Knife is from the mid 1800's, around the time that the pattern originated....this knife is a cool piece of history.

The pattern: According to Bernard Levine, the gunstock pattern originated around the time this knife was made, the actual origin of the gunstock pattern is unknown.

The tang stamp: The tang of the master blade is stamped "GEORGE WOODHEAD 36 HOWARD ST SHEFFIELD" the secondary blade is stamped "GEORGE WOODHEADS CELEBRATED CUTLERY”.

- Goins’ book confirms that George Woodhead was at 36 Howard c. 1849 – 1876

- LGTK 4th Ed, page 84, references "George Woodhead (& Sons) working in Sheffield 1845-1870's.

- Ken Burton's Bowie Knife Book, on page 97, confirms "George Woodhead 36 Howard Street, Sheffield. Circa 1845-1859"

Condition and authenticity: The back-springs and blades appear to match up correctly. The look, fit and wear on the ivory are consistent with a knife of this age. The tang marks look hot stamped, as they should be.

I have posted this knife up on the Internet with extreme close-up pictures for comments; general consensus is that that all parts appear original and likely from mid – late 1800’s, however, it appears that this knife may have been worked on with the pin being replaced.

From Bernard Levine; “I don't know the origin of the gunstock, but it was around by then. It is a deluxe pattern. Note the 'square' = flat top bolsters. The blades have been refinished -- but this looks to have been consequent to functional sharpening, rather than fakery”. “On this knife, the blades are (probably) original”.

I originally acquired this knife from noted knife authority/purveyor/ collector Rhett Stidham who stated that he believed this knife to be correct and original. Take this opportunity to acquire a great historical knife.

primary blade length: 2 3/8" ........ secondary blade: 1 7/8" ........ closed: 3 1/8"