LONDON.- A phenomenal collection of antique knives amassed over 40 years by David Hayden-Wright along with the ledgers, pattern books and catalogues of many of the famous Sheffield makers sold for a total of £387,381 (including buyers’ premium of 25%) – double its pre-sale estimate - on the second day of Thomas Del Mar’s sale of Fine Antique Arms, Armour & Militaria which was held on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at Olympia Auctions, 25 Blythe Road, London W14. The collection of 284 lots was 98.9% sold and a portion of the sale proceeds and auction commission will go to support the acquisition fund of the Arms and Armor department of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

The highest price of the sale was for a fine large multi-blade 20th century penknife for exhibition by George Wostenholm of Sheffield which sold for £22,500* against an estimate of £2,500-3,000 [lot 637], while an exceptional folding knife display for exhibition or showroom use dating from circa 1875-85 sold for £16,250* against an estimate of £2,000-3,000 [lot 535] and an exceptional folding lock knife for exhibition dating from the third quarter of the 19th century and probably made in London also fetched £16,250 against an estimate of £8,000- 12,000 [536]. All were bought by private collectors.

Following the sale, Auctioneer and expert in charge, Thomas Del Mar said: “The sale was a great success and reflected David Hayden-Wright’s eye for detail. Outstanding quality was a dominant theme, and many pieces were in excellent condition. A number were made for exhibition or presentation and revealed a deep insight into the golden age of the cutlers’ craft in Sheffield, London and other centres.”

David Hayden-Wright (1936-2006) was born in Christchurch, Hampshire, and lived latterly in a small village in Worcestershire. He served in the 16/5th Queen’s Royal Lancers Cavalry Regiment as a marksman. A keen pistol shot, he developed a profound interest in antique weaponry and registered firearms, assisting authorities on firearms control and working with several museums.

Over a period of 40 years, David researched and collected antique knives with a specific focus on Sheffield makers. His timing was fortuitous; as some of the most distinguished manufacturers in Sheffield closed, he was able to acquire stock, ledgers, and a number of early catalogues such as Joseph Rodgers & Sons; Lockwood Brothers as well as George Wostenholm & Son, W.H. Fagan and John Petty & Sons. His four decades of study and collecting culminated in his meticulously researched and profusely illustrated volume ‘The Heritage of English Knives’, posthumously published by his family in 2008.

Please note that all prices included 25% Buyers premium