Old dug pocket knife... Seeking any info

[Limitool]

This old knife was dug up high on a ridge top here in Middle Tennessee. The ridge overlooked the Duck River behind my home. I think the handle is bone but I could be wrong. And as you can see it have an emblem on its side. The extended blade is broken off with another blade tucked into the handle. I believe the emblem has a brand of something etched into it but even with a magnifying glass I cannot make it out.

Does anybody have ANY ideas how I could try and "clean" off the emblem to possibly ID this old knife...? Thanks for any ideas or info based on pic.

EDIT: 1-15-25... This old knife is past cleaning up or being able to read any identifying numbers or name. I tried. But the knife appears to have been thrown away because I found out the other blade was broken off also tucked back in handle.

 

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[Tony in SC]

The emblem looks like a case. What are the handles made of?

 

[Limitool]

The emblem looks like a case. What are the handles made of?

As stated in first post I believe the handle is bone but not 100% sure. I'd like help in how to clean up the emblem to possibly read it. I'm just curious. It was buried about 5".

 

[Tony in SC]

This old knife was dug up high on a ridge top here in Middle Tennessee. The ridge overlooked the Duck River behind my home. I think the handle is bone but I could be wrong. And as you can see it have an emblem on its side. The extended blade is broken off with another blade tucked into the handle. I believe the emblem has a brand of something etched into it but even with a magnifying glass I cannot make it out.

Does anybody have ANY ideas how I could try and "clean" off the emblem to possibly ID this old knife...? Thanks for any ideas or info based on pic.

This old knife was dug up high on a ridge top here in Middle Tennessee. The ridge overlooked the Duck River behind my home. I think the handle is bone but I could be wrong. And as you can see it have an emblem on its side. The extended blade is broken off with another blade tucked into the handle. I believe the emblem has a brand of something etched into it but even with a magnifying glass I cannot make it out.

Does anybody have ANY ideas how I could try and "clean" off the emblem to possibly ID this old knife...? Thanks for any ideas or info based on pic.

If the handles are bone it would be a higher grade knife. Years ago Case made a few knives with maple handles with wood that came from the old factory.

 

[Limitool]

This old knife is past cleaning up or being able to read any identifying numbers or name. I tried. But the knife appears to have been thrown away because I found out the other blade was broken off also tucked back in handle. I assume when the 2nd blade broke it was discarded then and there.

 

[pepperj]

This old knife was dug up high on a ridge top here in Middle Tennessee. The ridge overlooked the Duck River behind my home. I think the handle is bone but I could be wrong. And as you can see it have an emblem on its side. The extended blade is broken off with another blade tucked into the handle. I believe the emblem has a brand of something etched into it but even with a magnifying glass I cannot make it out.

Does anybody have ANY ideas how I could try and "clean" off the emblem to possibly ID this old knife...? Thanks for any ideas or info based on pic.

Qtip and some rust removal product.

 

[Nathan W]

I hate when you go to clean an old knife parts start breaking off

 

[Limitool]

Qtip and some rust removal product.

I took some cleaning stuff (Zep) and a toothbrush and after a gentle rubdown all was gone to identify it. I was just curious on maker and age. Thanks all.

 

[BAW]

Truly old pocketknives (100 years and older) very seldom had a maker’s name on the “shield” - (the metal inlay on the handle), Those that do are generally post-WWII. These shields are mostly made of nickel. Any method that will safely clean a 5 cent piece ought to work. I have had good luck rubbing tarnished nickel objects with a pencil eraser. It shines the surface while leaving depressed marks dark and easier to read.

 

[Limitool]

Truly old pocketknives (100 years and older) very seldom had a maker’s name on the “shield” - (the metal inlay on the handle), Those that do are generally post-WWII. These shields are mostly made of nickel. Any method that will safely clean a 5 cent piece ought to work. I have had good luck rubbing tarnished nickel objects with a pencil eraser. It shines the surface while leaving depressed marks dark and easier to read.

I did your eraser idea and it did clean it up more. I now believe there wasn't anything etched upon it as it is just smooth. That or better eye's need to look...! Thanks for the advise sir. This old knife is 100% toasted. I found it and some very old head stamps from the early 1900"s or older. Lot's of C.W. activity was around here and I need to reach out for some permissions near me. I found this knife on a bluff overlooking the Duck River near Natche Trace here in Hickman Co. Across the river is a large cleared field I'd love to MD sometime. It would have been a great place to camp while using the Duck River.

 

[pepperj]

I did your eraser idea and it did clean it up more. I now believe there wasn't anything etched upon it as it is just smooth. That or better eye's need to look...! Thanks for the advise sir. This old knife is 100% toasted. I found it and some very old head stamps from the early 1900"s or older. Lot's of C.W. activity was around here and I need to reach out for some permissions near me. I found this knife on a bluff overlooking the Duck River near Natche Trace here in Hickman Co. Across the river is a large cleared field I'd love to MD sometime. It would have been a great place to camp while using the Duck River.

Knock knock
How's there?
Your neighbour Brad

Very easy, just ask if they know who owns the field.
Easy peasy

 

[Limitool]

Knock knock
How's there?
Your neighbour Brad

Very easy, just ask if they know who owns the field.
Easy peasy

I do know the home who owns it... I might try that. There was also an old ferry crossing there also. Probably a million targets if MD'd...!!!!

 

[pepperj]

I do know the home who owns it... I might try that. There was also an old ferry crossing there also. Probably a million targets if MD'd...!!!!

Country folk are easy going.