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Extraordinary & Historic Wilkinson Circa 1887 ‘Identified & Serial Numbered’ R.B.D. Hunting Knife

Likely the earliest, most historic and important Wilkinson R.B.D. Hunting Knife known..!

I first became aware of this extraordinary early Wilkinson RBD in 2012 when I was contacted by the family who owned it - relatives of the ‘original’ 19th Century owner! I was subsequently engaged to assist with it’s correct identification and after my full appraisal returned the knife to them. Recognizing how incredibly important and rare this knife was, I indicated that if ever the family was willing to part with it, then I would most certainly be interested but as this astonishing knife had remained continuously in the family since being purchase by their ancestor in 1887, it was unlikely, however the owner did say that if/when they were willing to part with this family heirloom, they would be in touch. I remained in contact with the owner for over a decade and as good as their word, this fabulous and important Wilkinson RBD is now with me.

The original design dates back to 1869 when the noted outdoorsman and hunter Robert Bouchamp Drummond engaged Wilkinson’s to make a bespoke knife for his personal needs. Much like the famed Shakespear knife, Wilkinson went on to offer this design for general sale, giving it the moniker of ‘R.B.D. Hunting Knife’. A mid 20th Century version was even supplied to the fledgling Commando units late in 1940 as an interim survival/fighting knife while they were preparing to put the original (First Pattern) Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife into production.

Although Wilkinson always serial numbered their guns and swords, they were less consistent with numbering their bespoke knives, as only a handful have been noted thus marked. I’m thrilled to say that this RBD Bowie is one of them. On the spine of the blade it is clearly and cleanly stamped with Wilkinson’s unique serial number of 20503 which according to their original records places the date of manufacture at 1887 (give or take a year). Wilkinson also have a long history of offering unique personal etchings and as if it couldn’t get any better, this important RBD is so marked. As well as the ‘WILKINSON PALL MALL’ ricasso etching, just below this is a scrolled banner containing the initials ‘E.C.A.S.’ for Edward Charles Ayshford Sanford (1859 - 1923).

When one remembers that this knife is nearing 140 years old, the condition is truly quite incredible. There is very slight movement to the hilt fittings, completely normal for a knife of this age. With an overall length of 15”, a full length blade of 9 3/4” and a weight of 18oz, this is a serious knife with real heft. The beautiful blade has three wonderful etchings; on the reverse ricasso is a scroll etchings of ‘R.B.D. HUNTING KNIFE’, the obverse ricasso has ‘WILKINSON PALL MALL’ and just above this is the scroll etching containing the owners initials of ‘E.C.A.S’. The knife has a crossguard, ferrule and pommel cap and gorgeous stage grip. The knife retains its original hand-tooled leather sheath containing an Indian style spring retaining clip (which still works perfectly) along with it’s original and correct frog. Some research has been carried out by the family into the original owner (their ancestor) and is shown below and will be included.

As antique Wilkinson knives go, this is about as good as it’s ever going to get, a R.B.D. hunting knives go - then this is the finest, most historic and most important example I have ever heard of , ‘extraordinary’ in every respect.

Code #00700

Shipping is charged at a flat rate of $25 within the US and $45 for international (outside of the US).

Price: Sold

If you have any questions, would like more specific photographs or would like to purchase this item please feel free to write me direct at royshadbolt@me.com