We think this knife might have been sold by the U.K. 'High Street' jeweller, H. Samuel, a name well known in the mass market jewellery sector, probably having a retail outlet on most high streets and in retail parks.

The knife has a Xylonite (Plastic) handle with a blade manufactured from 'shear steel' i.e. before the introduction of stainless steel and hence produced prior to 1914.

The company originated in Liverpool, started by Moses Samuel (1795 – 1860), a Clock & Watch maker born in Germany. His son,Walter Samuel (1829 – 1863) married Harriet Wolfe (1836 – 1908) who was born in Great Yarmouth the daughter of Shriener Wolfe a 'curiosity dealer' and Matilda Wolfe, a jeweller.  Following the death of both Moses Samuel and her husband Walter within three years of each other, Harriet took over the business and moved it to the 'Lever Watch Factory at 97 Market Street, Manchester.  Here Harriet ran the mail order section and her son Edgar developed retail sales.  Further branches were opened throughout Lancashire and continued growth resulted in the establishment of a new, larger head office in Birmingham.

After the second world war Harriet's grandsons became Chairman and Vice Chairman, in 1947 H. Samuels were exhibitors at the British Industries Fair at Olympia, listed as 'manufacturers of jewellery, cutlery, rings, brooches, bracelets, ear clips and electro-plate ware'.

The following year the company was 'floated' on the Stock Exchange and further growth saw the number of stores grow to over 200 spread over the United Kingdom. In 1986 the company merged with Ratner's Jewellers but following the 'famous comment' by Gerald Ratner viz. 'People say ''How can we sell this for such a low price?'' I say ''Because it's total c**p'' many Ratner's shops were renamed H. Samuel.

By 2008, the company employed over 17,000 people and later became part of The Signet Group, which also owns Ernest Jones and Leslie Davis.