Souvenir King George VI 1937 Coronation Commemorative Two-Blade Penknife by Rawson Brothers of Sheffield

Here on offer is a most interesting and collectible two-blade souvenir folding pocket knife / pen knife commemorating the coronation of King George VI and his consort Queen Elizabeth, on 12th May 1937. The knife slabs seem to be made from an ivory-coloured plastic that with the graining, looks like real ivory or bone. On one slab it has been impressed with the image of a Kings and Queens crown and royal initials GR – ER. There are also the words: CORONATION SOUVENIR MAY 12 1937 Both knives are made from stainless steel and the maker's details stamped on the ricasso of the blades: RAWSON BROTHERS SHEFFIELD Rawson Bros was at Globe Cutlery Works in Carver Street, Sheffield. As a merchant, it sold pen, pocket and sportsman's knives, besides table and butchers' knives, scissors, razors, files, saws, and electro-plated goods. Rawson Bros relied heavily on the export trade. Percy was said to have been the first Sheffield manufacturer to trade directly with the Far East. This is difficult to confirm, but he was certainly amongst the first. In 1870, his firm began to ship cutlery and tools to India, through London agents, and in late 1885 Percy visited India for five weeks. He spent his time 'getting orders, and in going into the bazaars, looking at the manufacturers' goods, and sitting with the natives' (Sheffield Independent, 29 November 1889). The firm also developed trading links with China and Australia. It ceased trading in 1976. Both blades still have a good cutting edge but show signs of sharpening and wear commensurate with its age. This knife will make a wonderful addition to any British Royalty, Coronation, or penknife collection. One blade measures 1.5” (3.8cm) long and the other 1.25” (3.2cm). When closed, the knife measures 3” (7.6cm) and weighs 21g. Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description. Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched. The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.