Pocket Knife

[mxh5891]

My first time out I found this at my Aunts house in New Market, Virginia. Her house is on an old farm site. Was wondering if anyone can tell me what kind of knife it is (brand) and if its possibly from the CW(I know its a long shot).

 

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[cdsieg]

Looks like an old Swiss Pocket knife, but I don't know for sure or how old it might be. Nice find though!

 

[old digger]

Used to have one, but I forgot the name. Nice find.

 

[old digger]

Was it Imperial?

 

[Paleopilot]

Was it Imperial?

That's what I think it is too, Imperial, Providence R.I. That's what the markings are on the white knife in this pic with the same shield.

 

[mxh5891]

Thanks for the quick responses..I am thinking its an Imperial to after looking at the picture. Thanks its very cool to know what you found.

 

[JOHUNT]

Old Timer?

 

[JOHUNT]

Case?

 

[cdsieg]

I go t this off of this web site Essential Manual Hand Tools: Carry a Pocket Knife | The Art of Manliness I thought it was interesting.

The History of the Pocket Knife1[SUP]st[/SUP] Century Romans created the first folding pocket knife. They made for easy carrying for soldiers and other explorers on their journeys and conquests. However, as the use of sheathed knives became more popular, the use of pocket knives fell somewhat into disfavor.
By the late 16th Century, pocket knives began to regain popularity. They were especially popular in the American colonies. From farmers to lawyers, men from all walks of life started to carry them. The ultimate portable tool, the pocket knife was a useful aid in various tasks, including eating on the go.
Pocket knives have been an essential tool for soldiers throughout American history. New York and New Hampshire required their militias to carry pocket knives during the American Revolution. Even George Washington toted one around as he led his troops. The U.S. Navy began issuing pocket knives to sailors during the Civil War. During WWII, the pocket knife was standard issue for American GIs.

 

[gunsil]

I am a believer in the proposal that conjecture is worthless. There is NO way to determine who made that knife from the photos. The shield on yours is called a "federal shield" and it was used by almost all American knife manufacturers on one model or another and is still used today. Your knife is not a civil war era knife. Remington, who made millions of pocket knives from 1920-1940, did a study in which they figured the "half-life" of a pocket knife was two years. This meant that in two years on half of all pocket knives manufactured in a given year would be lost or broken. No wonder we find so many of them in the ground!! Just too bad that they are almost always un-identifiable due to rust.

 

[Paleopilot]

Thanks for the quick responses..I am thinking its an Imperial to after looking at the picture. Thanks its very cool to know what you found.

Thought I might add, I have an example in good condition that looks very much like yours that is also carries the Imperial stamp. If you can get the large blade open and cleaned up a bit, you may be able to see the stamp on the blade 'hilt'. Welcome to TNet!

 

[Paleopilot]

Here is a good source of info concerning shields...The Shield Tells a Story - More on Estimating the Age of Boker Knives - iKnife Collector

 

[cdsieg]

Here is a good source of info concerning shields...The Shield Tells a Story - More on Estimating the Age of Boker Knives - iKnife Collector

Nice job paleopilot! I love the link too! I have found several pocket knifes and have looked for the shields, never stumbled across the site you shared! Thanks!