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Unwin & Rodgers NON XXL Knife Pistol 19th Century

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Unwin & Rodgers NON XXL Knife Pistol 19th Century
This will be a Live Auction with Online Live and Local Bidding. Shipping Available for all items at the buyers expense. Call 800-686-4216 or visit https://northamericanauctioncompany.com/phone-bidders/ to setup phone bidding.
Available for public purchase is this very scarce original Unwin & Rodgers NON XXL Knife Pistol. The pistol is chambered in a .30 Rimfire Short caliber, an octagon barrel, and a smooth bore. Unwin & Rodgers are considered the finest knife pistol manufactures with this breechloading gamblers self-defense piece showing the utmost quality. The pistol shows a forward portion appearing to be German Silver or Sterling attached to 1/2” iron breech plug section. The left side of the pistol is marked, “UNWIN & RODGERS / PATENTEES, SHEFFIELD”. The upper left flat has the correct British proof marks. The right side of the barrel is marked “NON * XXL”. The pistol has a single action mechanical function with an unusual action having a center mounted hammer. The breech plate is attached to an iron arm with a pivot point at the back of the action allowing it to raise for loading. This also shows a manual extractor that is operated by a top mounted tab having a center sight cut in. This has a folding trigger and German Silver backstrap with iron side plates having a two-piece horn sheathing or grip on each side with the rear piece being hand deluxe checkered. The front end forward of the sheathing has faceted German silver trim. The knife features a double edged sided blade being 2 inches long and folds into the bottom of the frame alongside the trigger. The knife has a crown “VR” marking over “UNWIN & / RODGERS”. The piece shows a fine original condition with much of the original finish still present. The horn sheath shows normal handling wear for its considerable age. The Rodgers firm (of James Rodgers), one of the most prestigious manufactures of Bowie Knives, was joined in 1828 by Philip Unwin. Combining their talents, the first public notice of the new firm appeared in the Sheffield trade directory for 1828, with an advertisement reading, “Unwin and Rodgers, manufacturers of pen, pocket and desk knives, pearl sides, clasps, buckles, and in a great variety. 7 Charles Street.” Unwin had an idea for combining a pistol with a pocket knife, and he secured a patent for attaching the two weapons to each other. In the 1841 Sheffield trade directory, the firm advertised themselves as “manufacturers of spring knife cutlery, including lancets, scissor knives and pen machines, pistol knives, American and Indian hunting and self-defense knives.” The theory is that the NON*XLL markings, when read aloud, translate into the phrase “Non-excel,” signifying that the Unwin and Rodgers knife pistol had no peers. This is an Antique Firearm Pre-1898 requiring NO FFL. These knives have seen a wonderful collector following with some examples selling upwards of over $4,000.00. Unlike most examples offered for sale this piece has the very fine hand checkered back grip and silver accompanied artful accents making it truly a desirable piece.