Historian regarding early Sheffield cutler JAMES RODGERS

[Ranchero 10]

Ladies and gentlemen..

 

I am addressing you from my ranch in TEXAS 70 miles northeast of the Alamo where James Bowie died in 1836.

 

In my possession, recently acquired, I have an early Sheffield Bowie manufactured by JAMES RODGERS. He was in business in Sheffield early on circa 1827 or there abouts. This in an unusual shaped knife with a blade 7 3/4" long, 2 1/2" wide and the handle made of Indian Sanbar Stag. No hand guard at the ricasso and the stag handle terminated with a German silver cap. The blade is indented with:

 

JAMES RODGERS and CO.

WARRANTED HAND FORGED

 

I am aware of the 1st commercial cutler factory completed in 1826 by GREAVES and CO. Was Mr. JAMES RODGERS in business about the same time?

 

It is my desire to learn all possible about Mr. James Rodgers.

 

Would there be a cutler historical expert on this forum....or ....might I be directed to another source of expertese?

 

Regards, Ranchero

[jayjay 10]

Sorry can`t help you

But i am sure someone on here will be more knowledgeable

So bump

 

welcome to the forum anyway:wave:

[Granma 10]

Ranchero,

There's the Local History section of Sheffield Central Library -

 

http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/in-your-area/libraries/find/all-libraries/local-studies-library

 

Their email:

localstudies.library@sheffield.gov.uk

 

The Hawley Collection -

http://www.shef.ac.uk/hawley/contacts.html

 

email: hawley.tools@sheffield.ac.uk

 

I think this will do you for starters.

 

Granma.

[retep 68]

There is a James Rodgers 45 table knife cutler on the 1841 census at Rockingham Street, who could be a possible,

 

try google there are a couple of James Rodgers knives listed.

[extaxman 10]

I have a book about Sheffield published in 1889 which lists most of the cutlery manufacturers,

 

There is a couple of pages about JOSEPH Rodgers & Sons Ltd including an engraving of their works on Norfolk St in Sheffield. It may well be that James was the father of Joseph, it seems too much of a coincidence to have two cutlers with the same surname.

 

One of the sentences in the book reads 'For many years they made only the finest quality goods, but now they make large quantities of medium and cheaper wares which are a great improvement on American designs and intended for use in that country'. I am not trying to be sarcastic about American goods - the only point I am trying to make is that they were expoting to America at that time.

 

I don't know it there is a trade mark on your knife but their trade mark was just like a German iron cross design.

[Strix 11]

there's some useful info in this thread

[PopT 10]

Hi Ranchero

 

Joseph Rodgers and sons are listed as knife manufacturers at 6 Norfolk Street in the '1837 West Yorkshire Directory'

 

Maurice & Joseph Rodgers are also listed as cutlers in 'The Sheffield Directory 1787' at the same address.

 

I hope this info helps to answer your question.

 

Happy Hunting!

[Strix 11]

Is this relevant?

[PopT 10]

I found this site on the web.

 

http://www.eggintongroup.co.uk/rogers1.htm

 

 

Maybe you could follow your Found this site on the web. research up by contacting them.

 

 

Happy Hunting!

[PopT 10]

Hi Ranchero

 

In the 'Sheffield Directory for 1787' Joseph and Maurice Rodgers were manufacturing knives at 8 Norfolk Street in Sheffield.

 

In 'White's West Yorkshire Directory' for 1837 Joseph Rodgers and Sons are listed as Knife manufacturers at 6 Norfolk Street.

 

There were other Rodgers making cutlery but no James listed in either book. It could be James could be one of the sons of Joseph but this is speculation.

 

Usually Bowie knives were made by one individual in a cutlery firm as it was a specialist item.

 

If I find out anymore detail I will post you.

 

Does it look as if the handle and German silver top have been personalised in the US?

 

Happy Hunting!

[hutch 10]

IN the historical directories web site the 1824 / 1833 Sheffield[whites] do not list a James Rodgers.

[Greybeard 10]

Originally posted by hutch

IN the historical directories web site the 1824 / 1833 Sheffield[whites] do not list a James Rodgers.

 

Not in 1822, 1829 or 1834 either. In 1852 there's a James Rodgers, - but he's an engraver & copper plate printer, at 18 New Church street. No suitable 'Rogers' either - did you check 'Rogers' too ?

 

Quite a mystery !