Rodgers & Son, Sheffield circa 1880th stiletto blade garter dagger, original leather sheath; RARE TYPE

$399.99

Rare Rodgers and Son garter dagger Sheffield-made stiletto manufactured circa 1880th; “tortoise shell” pattern handle w German silver fittings, original leather sheath. Scarce “lady dagger” type in great overall condition, considering the age. FREE SHIPPING WITHIN THE U.S. INCLUDED.

1 in stock

Description

Rodgers and Son garter dagger Sheffield-made stiletto manufactured circa 1880th; scarce “tortoise shell” pattern handle w German silver fittings, original leather sheath. Rare “lady dagger” type in great overall condition, considering the age.

Rare circa 1870th-1880th concealed-carry lady’s stiletto commonly known as a “garter dagger”, or a “prostitute dagger”. These handy little stilettos would normally be tacked into a boot or discreetly carried hanging off a lady’s leg garter – just like envisioned on one of Western Americana paintings by the famous illustrator Harry L. Parkhurst (see a scan copy of the famous artist attached). However, contrary to the common believe, this type has not been exclusively used by women of  “oldest profession”. Firearms of the era were bulky, heavy, hard to reload, and generally not very reliable. Small daggers on the other hand were easy to conceal in oversized garments of the “good old days”, were light/always ready for use, and are deadly at close range. Not to mention, one would never “run out of bullets” with a knife. These dual-edge stilettos were very popular with women (and men) of all classes, regardless of what the name implies.

Sheffield-made knives always played a huge part in American history. From the Gold Rushes in California and Yukon to the battles the Civil War and in the frontier – Sheffield Bowies and daggers were hugely popular in every corner of the United States. This rare specimen was made circa 1870th-1880th by Rodgers & Son Cutlery located in Sheffield, England. Very attractive dagger with the “latest fashion” tortoise shell simulation celluloid handle with German silver fittings, and hard-to-find original “garter type” leather sheath. Invented in the late 1860th, celluloid was the modern vanguard material that was gaining popularity across the world. This dagger is only slightly used; it’s in much better than average condition for the type, considering the age.

The dagger is about 7-3/4″ / 19.8 cm overall; the blade is about 4″ / 10.2 cm long. No damage the pommel or the German silver “double-ball” guard, all  fittings are intact; all parts are tight with no play. Celluloid handle has a thing crack on one side but it is structurally sound. Well-defined spear-point blade is very sharp still; the tip is intact; some very light pitting is noted for accuracy. Ricasso is double-stamped with Rodgers & Son logo. Original and hard-to-find leather sheath is in excellent condition for the type; all stitching is intact; the leather is soft and supple still. These original sheaths are VERY hard to find in any shape or form nowadays as they simply did not last as long as the knives.

This rare Sheffield-made Rodgers and Son garter dagger “lady stiletto” has not been cleaned or tampered with in any way; it is in 100% original “as is” condition; these are the actual photos. Don’t miss your chance to add this antique garter dagger to your collection!  I have a few more vintage European knives, as well as WW2 era combat knives and bayonets, scarce WW1 and WW2 fighting daggers and trench knives from other countries available for sale – please take a look in our Militaria section.

For collectible knives and edged weapons Argocoins accepts payments via credit cards, personal checks drawn from US-based accounts, certified US-based bank checks, and money orders. Take a look at the Payments section within our Terms and Conditions for mailing instructions and additional details. Please email me at info@argocoins.com if you would like to make a credit card purchase over the phone. Follow me on Facebook @argoman400BC to keep an eye on the latest additions and promotions.

FREE USPS PRIORITY MAIL SHIPPING WITHIN THE U.S. FOR THIS ITEM

International shipping for this item will be $39 and up to most countries on our “ship-to” list.

Additional information

Weight 1.1 lbs

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