Wire Key

The Baker Wire Key marketed by W Jno Baker, Cutler, of 3 Hunter St Sydney. Jno Baker were importers and probably manufacturers of a large range of cutlery items, The wire key was a tool designed specificlly for the man on the land. This device is more like a multi tool than a clasp knife because it can be used for so many tasks. This would have been a Private Purchase item.

It is engraved " Lieut G.H.Allan NSW LANCERS 28-10-99 " The engraving most likely occured prior to him leaving to fight in the Boer War.

Lt George Henry Allan born Sydney 1865 , grazier of Singleton, NSW, 10 years with the NSW Lancers 1-1-1894 to 10-12-1904, served in South Africa, Queens South Africa medal with 4 clasps Kings South Africa medal 1902 bar. He also inlisted in 1916 WW1. (more research is needed)

This wire key was offered on eBay in June 2013. The then owners provided me with the above information.


Boer War Wire Key
Copyright Armor Antiques


If anyone has any information about any Boer War knives issued to, or used by Australian Servicemen or Women; please .