Exceptional 19th century gold mounted miniature penknife for royal presentation by Joseph Rodgers & Sons of Sheffield, £11,000 at Olympia Auctions.
Made in the third quarter of the 19th century for royal presentation, the example shown here measures just ¾in (1.8mm) but comprises over 48 folding blades and accessories with the fillets works in gold and mother-of-pearl.
The 4½in (11.5cm) ivory and gilt copper stand carved with neo-gothic foliage includes the letter A beneath a royal coronet, suggesting that it was presented by the makers to one of Queen Victoria’s children: either Princess Alice (1843-78), Prince Alfred (1844-1900) or Prince Arthur (1850- 1942). Rodgers presented George IV with a minute specimen of cutlery with 57 blades, which occupied only 1in (2.5cm) when closed, securing the firm its first Royal Warrant in 1822.
This one came for sale at Olympia Auctions (25% buyer’s premium) as part of Thomas Del Mar’s December 6 Antique Arms, Armour & Militaria sale, as one 16 lots from the second tranche of the David Hayden-Wright collection.
It was pictured in Hayden-Wright’s book The Heritage of English Knives (2008) which states that the knife was part of the celebrated displays at Joseph Rodgers & Sons’ showrooms at 9 Norfolk Street.
Estimated at £3500-5000, it was finally knocked down at £11,000.
