Posted 10 years ago
GraffQueen
(1 item)
I found this knife at a flea market -it is very old -that I'm sure of.
I am asking if anyone has some history on the maker -where it came from/etc..
I suspect it is English (not sure.) Here's what I do know:
Stamped "DURATION" over "JOSIAH" over "BARNES
Above the word "DURATION" there is some sort of symbol but it is unclear to me what it is (see pictures PLEASE.)
It has Stag handles, appears to be all carbon steel.
Is 4-1/2" closed and 7-1/2" open
I am not familiar with this pattern as it seems to have a "hawk-bill" blade with a reverse grip handle.
This blade is SUPER STURDY -WALKS/TALKS/& SNAPS IN ALL 3 POSITIONS. Was VERY well made -but WHO IS JOSIAH BARNES?
AND where is he from? When was this made?
Can ANYONE please help me with this?
Thanks a lot -in advance for ANY information you can provide!
PLEASE EMAIL ME! >>>> sandisurace@gmail.com
Places now gone list Josiah Barnes as having been an apprentice to two different cutlers in England. You need to keep in mind there were two Josiah Barnes and sort out what you have. I believe you have a pruning knife made by the second Josiah during the 1800's. You will probably have better luck researching this on British sites. The duration branding was put on all kinds of different folding knives. Hope this helps.
1. Josiah Barnes ( from Chinley Derbyshire )apprenticed to Mr. Joseph Bradbury cutler of Heeley. in1771
2. Josiah Barnes (Heeley ) aprenticed to Samuel Wison knife maker in1805
I believe I have seen that "symbol" and it is a boars head.
I however see the Ouroboros or Uroborosa- a dragon or snake eating it's tail : a symbol of immortality, I think. Long life!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ouroboros
It is so unclear, it can be a lot of things. I see what you see also, but it could be like looking at clouds.
I'm with you there mate!
Thanks to everyone who commented. I think the symbol is the snake eating it's tail -symbol of "immortality" -and immortality is sort of another word for "Duration". Makes sense to me why the word "Duration" would be on with the symbol for "immortality.
(At least I can make that connection -sounds sensible enough to me.)
I will look into both Josiah Barnes on British sites and see if I can piece enough info together to figure out which one was responsible for this knife -that certainly seems like it is going to outlive me at least -it sure is one heck of a heavy, solid, and well-built pocket knife that is for certain!
Thanks again to all who answered!
-Sandi