Mystery knife
 

I have always thought this was Indian , but made for or owned by a European as a hunting knife, and possibly of 19th century origin but I would welcome the views of members . Overall length 14 inches , blade length 9 inches , max blade width 1.7 inches. Very sturdy blade and wooden chequered handle. The name ( presumably of the owner ) T.S. Rendall is on the blade.

Hello Thinreadline, While I cannot be of any actual help to you on the identification of this knife I have done a little work on your last photo to hopefully show the detailing of the hilt a little better for someone who can.

Best,
Robert

Thanks for that Robert, what a difference, cheers.

Hi thinreadline,

I think you are probably spot on with your assessment. I believe also bowie-type hunting knives were made in India in the Raj period, for use by colonials...

I do not collect knives or swords anymore but I like to keep my hand in the game to some degree. This is quite informative, taken from "The London Knife Book, an A-Z guide to London Cutlers 1820-1945, by Ron Flook, Pub 2008 Antique Knives Ltd" The engraving on the guard of the picture I post, is of very similar style, perhaps a little finer with fancy scabbard. I would expect this from a retailer like Mappin & Web. Many London knife manufacturers were making this style of knife of various qualities. As the text for the knife says made for colonial export. I think your knife is UK made.

Thanks for that .

This 33min video of CA Butterfield & Butterfield collection of knives {Bowie}, is rather amusing and lightly informative. These should be considered acceptable as ethnographic as they are not made as state military arms. Also a pic of one I bought a month or so back for camping. Which is really a little too heavy for my needs. Made in Pakistan, superb quality for your money.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgDLPTAGw-k