✅ SOLVED Pocketknife experts?

[USNFLYR]

Found some items at my usual stomping grounds (fish camps/wharf/native trading area). Along with a harmonica reed plate (key of C?), petrified bone and possible fur trade item I found pocketknives. I broke off rust and corrosion from one, and discovered that the blade was broken (in half). The other one I left alone as it has a rotting wooden handle. Does any forum member know the makers/age. I know if I pull the blades out I might find makers info stamped in the steel…but I won’t do that. Thanks for any and everything.

 

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[releventchair]

You could look around at some Imperial brand knife badges.
Then if you think any are similar enough work on the age of your piece.
Imperial was making watches in 1916.
Imperial is alleged to be based om /around the Empire Knife Company in Imperial knives beginnings.

A deeper dive might find Empire knives with the same badge as your recovery. (?)

Empire Knife Company - All About Pocket Knives

One of the earliest and largest American knife companies, Empire seems to get relatively little mention from collectors. Most knife people have probably seen an Empire knife, but history is hard to find. Pankiewicz's book New England Cutlery has a ..

www.allaboutpocketknives.com

 

[releventchair]

Positioned between 4-5 o'clock in this picture?

 

[USNFLYR]

Thanks Releventchair! This gives me the probable manufacturer. I'll keep looking

 

[callmez]

Both of your knives have what is called a crest or federal style shield, which was the most common type in use here in 20th century America. EVERY company had one or more variations of it, and the differences are very subtle. So from a true ID we are looking for subtle clues.

The top knife is what we call a "regular jack" pattern, probably the most common pocketknife style of all time. Crest shield is short and indistinct. Wood handles tell us little. This knife could be any of many different American manufacturers, my ballpark time frame would be circa 1910-1940.

The lower knife is what we call a "serpentine jack" pattern and the crest shield is large and long. The handles appear to be a swirl celluloid. While also a standard pattern that was common among American manufacturers during the 20th century, with this knife you have a combination of features that might point you to the Imperial knife Co. of Providence, RI (mentioned above by relevantchair). A) Imperial often used a long crest shield like this with two 'scoops' from the top end, B) Imperial rarely used any material other than celluloid up into the 1950s, and C) Imperial made tons of this particular pattern, the serpentine jack. I wouldn't stake my life on it, but your lower knife was probably made by Imperial c.1920-1950.

 

[USNFLYR]

Both of your knives have what is called a crest or federal style shield, which was the most common type in use here in 20th century America. EVERY company had one or more variations of it, and the differences are very subtle. So from a true ID we are looking for subtle clues.

The top knife is what we call a "regular jack" pattern, probably the most common pocketknife style of all time. Crest shield is short and indistinct. Wood handles tell us little. This knife could be any of many different American manufacturers, my ballpark time frame would be circa 1910-1940.

The lower knife is what we call a "serpentine jack" pattern and the crest shield is large and long. The handles appear to be a swirl celluloid. While also a standard pattern that was common among American manufacturers during the 20th century, with this knife you have a combination of features that might point you to the Imperial knife Co. of Providence, RI (mentioned above by relevantchair). A) Imperial often used a long crest shield like this with two 'scoops' from the top end, B) Imperial rarely used any material other than celluloid up into the 1950s, and C) Imperial made tons of this particular pattern, the serpentine jack. I wouldn't stake my life on it, but your lower knife was probably made by Imperial c.1920-1950.

 

[USNFLYR]

Thanks Callmez…. That’s great! Excellent info. I’ll keep these two and not throw them in a trash bin.

 

[callmez]

Thanks Callmez…. That’s great! Excellent info. I’ll keep these two and not throw them in a trash bin.

You're very welcome. Often American made pocketknives in relic condition offer up small clues that can point you in a direction. Then too, sometimes they don't! I have found several old pocketknives over the years, but never anything really old or special. I've collected, bought, sold, traded, researched, and/or written about old knives for most of my life, it's what I do.