British,  J. Nowill & Sons Sheffield Bowie Knife, Horn Handle, Brass Guard, Original Sheath

*British,  J. Nowill & Sons Sheffield Bowie Knife, Horn Handle, Brass Guard, Original Sheath*

A fine Sheffield-made Bowie knife by J. Nowill & Sons, one of England’s oldest cutlers, established in 1700. This example features a clip-point blade (14.5 cm) etched:
“J. Nowill & Sons, Sheffield, England, Established A.D. 1700” along with the firm’s D corporate mark and Crossed Keys trademark*.

The hilt has polished horn grip scales, secured with brass pins, and a broad oval brass guard. The knife is accompanied by its original brown leather sheath, riveted and stitched, fitted with a retaining strap marked “Newey – England” on the press-stud fastener. The sheath bears a faint maker’s stamp on the belt loop, reading “…field / …land”, almost certainly the remains of “Sheffield, England”, consistent with mid-20th-century Sheffield leatherwork. A faint ink inscription “T. Graham” remains visible on the rear of the sheath, suggesting original ownership.

Overall length: 26 cm
Blade length: 14.5 cm

Historical Note:
J. Nowill & Sons is among Sheffield’s most prestigious cutlers, their D mark granted in 1700* to Thomas Nowill and passed down through generations. In 1842, the firm registered its additional Crossed Keys trademark, one of Sheffield’s most enduring and recognisable emblems. The company has a long association with military supply; during the Second World War, Nowill produced Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knives under government contract, examples of which remain highly sought after by collectors.

This smaller Bowie knife illustrates the enduring popularity of Sheffield export and sporting knives in the early-mid-20th century, produced both for utility and as collectible sporting cutlery in the post-war period.

*Condition*
The blade retains much of its original polish, with some areas of age staining and light sharpening. Horn grip shows handling wear and a small chip near the pommel. Brass guard with light tarnishing. The leather sheath remains intact, with expected wear and surface creasing; fastening strap and popper still functional. Faint handwritten name to reverse. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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