Hi Josh. Instead of answering over at British Blades I'll do it here
Richard Washer's book, "The Sheffield Bowie & Pocket-knife Makers 1825-1925" records:
Harrison Bros. & Howson
45 Norfolk Street, Sheffield
Circa 1853-1919
Washer recorded all the markings he was able to find. One of them is very clearly:
V (crown) R
HARRISON BROS & HOWSON
CUTLERS TO HER MAJESTY
That looks like the one you are describing. What I can't tell from this book is when that mark was in use. Chuck is of course correct that VR stands for Victoria Regina .... see this link for a
Victoria Regina postbox in Lincolnshire
Any chance of a picture of the knife sometime?
One of Bernard Levine's books would be very helpful at this point. I must buy one!
Roger