c1850 ERA James Barber Sheffield knives

[58chevy348]

Got this pair of knives in today. Thes might be my oldest knives, but I'm a bit confused. In Goins guide, this tang stamp is shown under the T. Ellin & Co listing, and a date of 1850 is given for this stamp. However, when I look in the Goins guide under the James Barber name, the date given is 1894 to 1944. I'm inclined to think these are from 1850-ish due to the crude construction. Are any of you familiar with these knives? Also, how can I tell if handles are bone or stag? I'm thinking stag. Thanks!

[terryl308]

Can't help you with the stamp, but pretty sure they are stag handles, no way to tell if they are for sure stag however, I'm going by just appearance. Terry

[patch1]

ERA was a brand of James Barber c1840
Acquired by Thomas Ellin & Co c1850, then sold to Joseph Elliot later.
Levines 4th Edition

Patch1

[58chevy348]

Thanks so much for the information. I have quite a few guide books, but not the Levine's 4th edition.