Edwardian Sterling Silver Pistolar Grip Handled Knife by Harrison Brothers & Howson
Flatware (Dinner or Luncheon Knife) · Harrison Brothers & Howson (George Howson), Sheffield, England. Founded in 1847, they were prestigious Royal Warrant holders to Queen Victoria and King Edward VII, known for high-quality cutlery.
Pattern: Paneled Pistol Grip with Capped Terminal; a classic Georgian revival pattern popular in the early 20th century.
Type
Flatware (Dinner or Luncheon Knife)
Maker
Harrison Brothers & Howson (George Howson), Sheffield, England. Founded in 1847, they were prestigious Royal Warrant holders to Queen Victoria and King Edward VII, known for high-quality cutlery.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) handle; the blade (partially visible) is likely carbon steel or early stainless steel. The handle is hollow-ware construction filled with resin or cement for stability.
Dimensions
Estimated length 20-25 cm (8-10 inches). Weight cannot be estimated accurately due to the weighted/filled handle construction common in cutlery.
Description
An elegant example of British silversmithing, this knife features a paneled pistol grip handle that evokes 18th-century sophistication. Produced by the renowned Harrison Brothers & Howson, the piece bridges the gap between Victorian ornament and Art Deco linearity.
Key Features
Signature 'H.B&H' maker's mark; vertical line motif bordering the handle; traditional Sheffield crown mark; distinctive paneled architectural form.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) handle; the blade (partially visible) is likely carbon steel or early stainless steel. The handle is hollow-ware construction filled with resin or cement for stability.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with linear paneled engraving and a molded collar. The style reflects a Neoclassical/Georgian Revival transition typical of the Edwardian period.
Hallmarks & Stamps
British Hallmarks: 'H.B&H' (Maker's mark), Crown (Sheffield Assay Office), Lion Passant (.925 Sterling standard), and a Gothic/lowercase date letter (likely 'v' for 1913 or 'm' for 1904).
Construction Details
Die-struck hollow handle composed of two halves soldered together; the blade is secured into the handle using a traditional 'bolster' and resin/lead plug method.
Functional Features
Weighted handle for ergonomic balance; tapered bolster to prevent hand slippage onto the blade; rounded terminal for comfort.
Handle & Grip Details
Sterling silver hollow handle with cement filling; 'Pistol grip' curvature provides a traditional ergonomic hold. Condition appears stable with minor seam wear.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die-stamping with hand-burnished seams. The hallmarks are struck with precision, indicating a well-maintained die and high-quality control in the Sheffield workshop.
Authentication Indicators
Deeply struck, authentic Sheffield hallmarks; correct spacing of marks for early 20th-century English silver; wear patterns consistent with hand-polishing over several decades.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England; the historic heart of British cutlery manufacturing using traditional industrial die-stamping and hand-finishing.
Era & Period
Edwardian Era (1901-1910) / Late George V. Exhibits the 'Georgian Revival' aesthetic that dominated British dining rooms during this period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1904-1913 based on the specific Harrison Brothers & Howson hallmark style and the Sheffield date letter.
Cultural Significance
Represents the formalization of the British 'Service à la russe' dining style, where matched silver cutlery became a mandatory status symbol for the middle and upper classes.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible tarnish in the crevices of the hallmarks; light surface scratches (swirls) from polishing; no significant 'denting' to the hollow handle; blade joint appears tight.
Value Estimate
$40 - $85 USD as an individual replacement piece; higher as part of a complete set ($600 - $1,200 for 12).
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only; never place in a dishwasher as heat melts the handle resin. Use a high-quality cream like Wright's Silver Cream and store in a tarnish-resistant cloth roll.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany 'English King' knives (heavier/more ornate) or Gorham 'Pistol' patterns (American construction, usually without British assay marks).
Interesting Facts
Harrison Brothers & Howson were cutlers to the British Royal Family, often providing flatware for royal banquets and luxury ocean liners like the Titanic (though Titanic's was silverplate).