Lot 73

Kelly Liverpool Woodsman Multi-Blade Knife 19th C.

Estimate: $2,500 - $5,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
This is an exceptional rare woodsman horseman or farrier's multiple blade tool knife from maker Kelly in Liverpool, England, and dates to circa 19th Century. The piece shows a total of ten tools including the main large knife blade, bone heavy dual tooth saw, rasp file, shoe button hook, corkscrew, three sided blade awl dagger, horse hook pick, removable scissors, tweezers and removable 10 inch long measuring stick that is articulated folding at the center. The knife shows a high grade of original Stag horn antler grips which bear a rectangular silver inlaid escutcheon plate. The knife is a large rare example as very few show this many attachments and tools. The hoof pick, saw, rasp file and button hook are all marked Liverpool or/and Kelly. The piece shows a heavy construction with brass bolsters and is a high craftsman handmade piece in very well-preserved good condition with each tool being in fine bright working condition with little to no spotting. The original loop is still present at the base of the knife. Other examples with less tool attachments have regularly sold between $2,000-$4,000 with this example showing the most tool attachments and fine condition. The hoof pick is on a swivel which allows it to swing out when used and swing closed and lock on the lever lock release button which shows a nice filed groove for grip. A very similar example can be found in the book “American Knives – The First History and Collector’s Guide” 1958 by Harold L. Peterson on page 137, figure 171. When closed the knife measures 6 1/8”L with loop, with the main knife / saw extended the piece measures overall 9.75”L. Main knife blade is 4”L, saw blade is 4 1/8”L, hoof pick is 4.25”L, corkscrew is 2.75”L, awl three blade spike is 2.75”L, file is 2.25”L, scissors are 3 3/8”L, measuring stick is 5.25”L closed and 10 1/8”L when extended open.
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