Is this an Osborne mark?

[SUP]

I have the option of purchasing a knife with this mark.

Does anyone know what company this is?  Is it an Osborne mark that has got rubbed away?

it is not in the position that I have seen on other Osborne knives, so I wondered.

[billybopp]

I don't think so.  There were a lot of toolmakers around Newark 100+ years ago.  Have you tried a pencil rubbing of the lettering above Newark - It can ALMOST be read, but not quite!

- Bill

[SUP]

Yes. you can almost see the base of the letters.

 I've not bought it as yet. Not sure whether I want to. I was hoping that learning something about it would give me an idea whether it is worth buying. 

[bruce johnson]

There have been two books written about tool makers in Newark. There were a bunch as billybop noted. If you could give us a picture of the whole knife that might help narrow it down some. I have never seen an Osborne knife that was size marked, but some earlier makers marked with numbers. A picture would also help establish a value too. 

[SUP]

@bruce johnson, It was on sale earlier. I will check if it is still available so that I can get a photograph of it.

[SUP]

There were two knives on sale. I could only see the mark on one of them. I have attached a photograph here.

The one on the left is too worn down, I think.

Edited January 15 by SUP

[bruce johnson]

By the construction early to mid 1800s. Steel is usually hard and can be brittle. Without a clear marking the value is pretty much as a user. 

[SUP]

@bruce johnson, Wow! That is old. But the price is too steep at $150.00 I think. Especially as I have a surfeit of round knives! Let's see. If the price comes down, I might consider them, if someone else does not buy them first.

Thank you for your input. It really helps.