T Turner Encore Clasp Knife

[nordenfeldt]

Hi there,
I put this question here, as I think it’s military.
I picked up a 5” heavy, sturdy clasp knife last week that had a chain lanyard. It's clearly marked T Turner & Co. "Encore". Sheffield marks to blade. I think the chain is original, and that it was installed when the knife was made. The knife has a marlin spike, a wicked double edged can opener and a heavy blade
Could anybody offer opinions as to the age/users of this excellent tool?
I’d post a pic. if I could, but I can’t.
ATB

[PaulD]

What is the handle material? Certainly sounds like a pre WW2 military knife or a civilian version of same . Any other markings? Is the bale that the chain is attached to copper or steel?
What is the condition overall? These large older folders are getting less common now in my experience.
Cheers ,
Paul.

[nordenfeldt]

Hey Paul,
The handle/slabs appear to be of nickel silver. The chain is all the same material, steel, including the bale. According to the Sheffield knife maker's book, T Turner creased production in 1921, (thanks for that Pete), so it must be quite early.
There are no other markings apart from the blade stamping which is quite unusual as the "E" in Encore is missing.
Overall this is in very nice condition, and snaps open/closed perfectly.
I suspect the sides of the blade have been ground at some time, but I can't see why.
Chris.

[PaulD]

Sounds like a nice find , Turner knives are usually good quality . My guess would be that it dates from the 1920's, certainly before WW2 anyway. I have a similar knife with stag handle scales and again , like yours, with no military marking.

Paul.

[cpl mac]

I have a knife like the one you two are discussing. However I have W D stamped on the side as well as the three bladed arrow. The bale is also made of copper. This is an outstanding knife and holds an edge very well. I used this often, up until the spring for the blade broke. Does any one know how I can repair this

[Smiling-Knife]

Hi. Is your knife similar to this one? It was made by Turner for Canadian Forces in WWI.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q265/smiling-knife/Military%20Knives/Turner2.jpg

[gew8805]

Smiling-Knife, that is a beautiful example, thanks for posting it.

[cpl mac]

Yes
Looks just like that knife of yours smiling knife. Thanks for posting it.
My knife has a three blade arrow head stamped into the side with the letter W on one side and the letter D stamped onto the other side of this arrow head. I am unclear as to the meaning of these markings. Perhaps you would know?

[Smiling-Knife]

Hi... You're welcome. The broad arrow is the government issue mark and W D is for the War Department.

[cpl mac]

Thanks for the info
Any idea as to the vintage?

[Smiling-Knife]

Thanks for the info
Any idea as to the vintage?

According to Flooks book, Thomas Turner made this type of knife as early as 1914. The pattern and W D mark appeared as late as 1939. That's as narrow as I can make it. Maybe others will have more definitive information.

[cpl mac]

Thanks again
It is a great knife and holds an edge well. However the spring that lies between the slabs has broke. I suppose the only fix is to disassemble and weld it. Any suggestions?
Cpl Mac

[Smiling-Knife]

You're welcome. This isn't my area of expertise, but if you are intent on repairing it, you could take it apart and replace the spring with another from the same pattern. You could probably find a similar knife with broken blades or scales with an intact spring for not much money.

[Loada]

I agree with the information provided by Smiling-Knife in his posts 6 and 11. I have an identical example to post 6 with the broad arrow inside a "C" which designates WW1 issue to Canadian forces. Your example with the broad arrow between the letters W and D indicates issue to British forces - although difficult ascertain the date but the range is probably early 1900's to late 1930's. I am not aware of them ever being issued with a chain and therefore suggest that it is not original to the knife.
Lawrie