HMSO Pen Knife

[Guest Smiling-Knife]

This is an old fixed-blade pen knife made by George Butler & Co. Butler had the key mark going way back but only acquired the 'art' trademark in 1861 so it must have been made after then. Interestingly, it has a Crown S.O. marked on the handle. At one time this knife belonged to Her Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO). This office was responsible for publishing royal and parlimentary documents. Other than a little tarnish and a few minor signs of use it is in great shape. It also has what appears to be the original case. Although both steel nibs for pens and folding 'pen' knives existed by this time, this style carried on well into the 1900s. Good for light office chores such as opening envelopes and cutting string.

[Guest lazarus]

This is an old fixed-blade pen knife made by George Butler & Co. Butler had the key mark going way back but only acquired the 'art' trademark in 1861 so it must have been made after then. Interestingly, it has a Crown S.O. marked on the handle. At one time this knife belonged to Her Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO). This office was responsible for publishing royal and parlimentary documents. Other than a little tarnish and a few minor signs of use it is in great shape. It also has what appears to be the original case. Although both steel nibs for pens and folding 'pen' knives existed by this time, this style carried on well into the 1900s. Good for light office chores such as opening envelopes and cutting string.

Your penknife is very interesting especially the pointed handle, its looks to me like it was used as an eraser, picking off ink if a mistake has been made, as you know the pen-knife was made for trimming quill pens so the eraser theory could be correct.