Manufactured c. the late 1800s, this knife was retailed by W. Thornhill & Co. of London, England. The Victorian Era "kite" registration mark on the right ricasso is dated 28 September 1875. Thornhill's was a well-known retailer of cutlery and silverware on New Bond Street that traced its origins back to 1734. Knives such as this would have been popular among British sportsmen, explorers, and military officers throughout the British Empire, particularly in the wilder portions of Africa and India. It measures 12 1/2 inches overall, with a 7 3/4 inch clip point blade sporting a short, steep false edge. The left of the blade below the spine is marked "ELLIS KNIFE", and the left ricasso is marked with a "V[crown]R" royal cypher and "THORNHILL/LONDON", while the right ricasso bears the previously mentioned registration mark. The guard is iron with a square hole on the left which interfaces with the locking mechanism of the sheath. The grips scales are checkered horn with the left panel being slotted for the locking mechanism and stowing a pair of tweezers and a smaller pocket knife sized blade near the butt. The leather wrapped sheath has a small iron locking latch near the throat.

Very good, the blade is mostly bright with some scattered patches of light pitting/grey patina, primarily near the tip, and a few minor dings in the edge. The grips are fine with a few light insect holes and light handling marks. The sheath is very good and shows mild wear.