Description
British WW2 Harrison Bros Howson marlin spike knife; rare large all-metal type in great overall condition, considering the age. VERY hard to find in any shape or form nowadays.
Very rare large WW2 era British Navy Marlin Spike Knife with 3-1/2″ marlin spike, 3-1/4″ blade, and war-time zinc alloy handle scales. Manufactured for a very short time in early WW2 by the famous “Cutlers to his Majesty” Harrison Bros & Howson in Sheffield, England – this company has been making edged weapons and knives of all sorts since 1847. A similar type is illustrated on page 154 of the excellent reference book BRITISH AND COMMONWEALTH MILITARY KNIVES by Ron Flook (see the book’s page scan attached).
This specimen is used, but it is in better than average overall condition for this type, considering the age and the every-day exposure to the elements. Heavy-duty “marlin spike” is about 3-1/2” / 8.8 cm long; the tip in intact. Spike’s spring is extended to form a screwdriver on the end of the handle. Sheepfoot blade is about 3-1/4″ / 8.3 cm long. The blade has been re-sharpened and it’s very sharp still, the tip is intact; both blades are nice and tight; minor surface rust on the iron parts is noted for accuracy (cleanable). The main blade’s tang is stamped HARRISON BROS / & HOWSON / SHEFFIELD; the spike is stamped with the British military “broad arrow” #6 acceptance stamp. Original zinc alloy handle scales with steel bolsters & pins; original steel shackle is intact; all handle parts are tight. This large knife is about 4-7/8″ / 12.5 cm closed (from the tip of the screwdriver to the opposite end).
No official manufacture records survived the war but it is likely that just a few hundred were originally made. Not very numerous to begin with, only a small fraction of these large all-metal “marlin spike” knives survived the war – many were dropped overboard or went down with the ships; the heavy day-to-day use has undone most of the other knives remaining in service. Today most of the surviving Harrison Bros Howson marlin spike knives are in private collections & rarely come up for sale. Overall, this rare British WW2 Harrison Bros Howson marlin spike knife is in excellent condition; don’t miss your chance to add it to your collection!
This rare British WW2 Harrison Bros Howson marlin spike knife has not been cleaned or tampered with in any way. It is in 100% original “as is” condition; these are the actual photos. I have a few more vintage British and other European folders and fixed-blade knives available for sale – please take a look in the store’s Militaria section for similar listings.
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